My 4yr old son want my attention all the time?

Question

He says mom like a million times a day, and when it ask what?, he has to come up with something to say, usually he asks for something, I know he is just doing this for my attention. When I don't give him my attention he starts acting up and getting into stuff. I am a stay at home mom and always home with him because I rarely get to go and do anything without my kids, I have to take them with me. So I don't know what to do to get the point across that even though I am around him all the time, that it doesn't mean that I am at his beckon call. Any suggestions other than I have to get away from them more, because that just isn't possible right now.

I do give him things to do, and he does help me with alot around the house, but it is still not enough.

Answer 1

Do you give him more attention when he acts up? This is probably why he acts up. Just try to ignore his bad behavior or give him a time out when he acts up. Time outs can be anywhere in the home. A chair, corner, his bedroom, etc. If you give into him when he acts up you're just telling him that it's ok to do that sort of thing. He has to understand that it's not ok to act up just because mommy won't pay attention to him 24/7. And keep up with it. Don't let him get the better of you. I know how frustrating it can be when they constantly bug and hound to no end, but keep it up and he WILL stop.
Hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 2

Give him attention--but don't give him any if he's just going to get into things and be a pain about it. He gets into things because he wants attention and when you say "Stop that" or "Put that down" you are giving him attention. Ignore him if he gets into stuff or acts up for attention because when you do that you are letting him win. Eventually he will see that acting up doesn't get him attention--only being polite and asking nicely does.

Include him in as much as possible. If you are doing laundry then have him help you pour in the detergent. Just little things like that make a big difference. Have a time of day when it's just time for you and him to spend together. No fiddling with housework or doing other things--just you and him playing or watching a video for a half hour or so.

Answer 3

We were able to get my son into a Head Start preschool at that age and it was truly a blessing. They have programs for families who can't afford much, my boy actually went for free. He only had half days, but he came home tired and was glad for a nap or at least some quiet time on his own in front of the tv. Not only that, I was glad to see him and hear all about his day after getting a little peace and quiet everyday.

I realize this may not be an option for you, so I will tell you that I'm also into annoying my children. :) When my kids get this way with me and I just can't stand it anymore, I will turn around and do the same thing to them! They seem to get the message much more quickly that way and then we can look for something they can do on their own...at least for a little while.

Hope this helps,
Gwen

Answer 4

Just ignore him thats all he wants is attention. I wish I had a quarter for everytime I've had to ignore mine, I'd be rich. If you give him attention then you're doing what he wants you to do therefore he's doing his job by annoying you. Its a game, don't play it. Sounds crude but he's got to learn respect and what better way to teach him otherwise good luck talking on the phone when you want. Or visiting anybody without interruptions. If you don't teach him now, he will never learn then you can let the games begin.
Oh and if he's old enough to get into mischief, then he's old enough for a time-out. Let him know who's boss.

Answer 5

Buy him a simple toy like lincoln logs or kinex or legos. Then refuse to speak to him if he doesn't have a legitimate question. Simply point out that he is making up questions to fill time. He can handle a loving truthful response. Allow him to play outside, on his own within eyesight and earshot. He should have a swingset or wiffle ball and tee and bat to keep him occupied. A boy can also start to identify with his father at this age as well. Give him boy things to do. It wont kill him to just say "Now go play". It's for his good.

Answer 6

My 4 yr old is the same way, but I'm not a stay at home mom.
So he has to cram it all in the space of about 6 hours! Make him ask politely and then if he keeps on, give him a project. Coloring is a good one, or play doh. Let him help you cook supper, or fold laundry, then he can talk and talk. Most of the time, mine just wants to be close to me.

Answer 7

I have a 7 and 9 year old and they still say mom a millions times until I say yes and then its really nothing or they forget what they were gonna ask me. Get use to it

Answer 8

Best thing for you to do is make a simple schedule ..Set a special TIME for HIM and YOU..then time to eat together..A fun 30 min activity then make a nice hour and a half time for you.this has to be like a ritual..everyday the same..the main trouble with young kids is inconsistency..keep up the good work mommy work..! Misty~*

Answer 9

Maybe he sees that you favor your other kids over him? that's why he's acting up. do youhave a special we time? just the two of you? maybe that will help or you can have a talk with him that you won't be going anywhere. Or if you do leave, even for just a while tell him.

Answer 10

OHHH THAT IS NORMAL ALL KIDS GO TROUGH THAT... DID YOU TRY TO PLACE HIM IN A LITTLE DAY CARE THING?? HE NEEDS TO START TO PULL AWAY FROM YOU SOON BECAUSE HE HAS TO START SCHOOL... YOU NEED TO START TO TALK TO HIM AND A VERY SOFT WAY TELL HIM YOU ARE A BIG BOY NOW ENCOURAGE HIM TO PLAY NOT TO BE IN YOUR LAP SO MUCH BUT WITH OUT PUSHING HIM AWAY... DO HE HAS PLAYMATES?? IF NOT GET HIM SOME OR LIKE I SAID JUST PLACE HIM IN DAYCARE..THAT WILL HELP.