Should I talk to my daughter and what do I say?

Question

A relative recently brought something up. My 8 year old is very needy for attention. I've even caught her lying to get attention. She always wants people to feel sorry for her. I remember being the same way when I was little. My question is this....do you think that this "personality" will make her permiscuious? Because of the attention she will get from boys? What things can I say or do or talk about that will lead her away from that path?

Answer 1

No. She;s only 8.I think it's normal. Just correct her when you catch her lying and set a good example for her. Right now it's too soon to say if she;s going to want attention from boys. Just let her be 8 and don't stress over it untill you get to that bridge.

Answer 2

I wouldn't jump to a conclusion at this point, but I would begin to be more careful with the situation. I know this day in age children are beginning to be more sexually active earlier, but I do believe at 8 it may be a little too early to address this situation. Maybe try to make her feel as though she is a beatuiful, smart girl with so much to offer her friends, family and everyone else. This will boost her self esteem and maybe push the attention getting aside, if she is more confident that she is a great person without even trying. So people (like her) just have it come natural.

Answer 3

yes, it can lead to permiscuity in girls. However you need to decide when your daughter does need your attention, or if she is just trying to get your attention. When you are able to recognize the difference between the two the start ignoring the "wanting to be the center of attention" behavior. That way your child will learn that she isn't the center of the universe. You may also want to get your child into acting/dance/vocal lessons so that she has a healthy outlet for her personality type. That way, she will learn that sometimes the spotlight will be ob her and other times it will be on someone else.

Answer 4

It's always a good idea to talk to your kids. The key is to remember that although she my seem to be a lot like you were at her age, she is still her own person. Right now she's forming that person day by day. Let her know that you know what it's like without talking down to her. Let her know there are plenty of other ways to get attention and that the kins of attention she's attempting to get this way can be very dangerous. Best of luck to ya. My daughter's 10 years old.

Answer 5

Tell her whatever it was that you wanted to hear as a child. If you've had a similar issue, it is probably something you are unknowingly passing down to her. Look for similarities in the way you parent your daughter and the way your parents parented you.

Maybe just telling her how proud you are of the little things will help alliviate some of her needy behavior,.

Answer 6

I would be direct and upfront with her.

Talk to her about the problems her neediness can cause her in the future.

Also, make sure you are talking to her about having high standards for herself and making good decisions on a regular basis.

If the neediness is really bad, you might want to consider having her see a counselor to help her work it out. Nip the problem in the bud now, before it does lead her to dangerous behaviour in the very difficult adolescent years.

Answer 7

Some people are just wired to need more attention than others (like me). Try spending more time with her, just mom and daughter time. Get her to help you around the house and jazz like that. I know sometimes it's not always possible to spend time with her everyday, but do make the effort to include her and let her know you're thinking of her and love her....like notes in her lunch bag.

Answer 8

Try giving her attention. I wouldn't worry so much about her being promiscous. You can have that talk later. I think you missed the point that your relative was trying to make. Spend more down time with your daughter.

Answer 9

Spend time with your child. You talk to her like other parents do when they spend quality time with their children. If other people have noticed that she is needing attention, why haven't you? She needs a Mother's love and support. If children don't get needed attention, yes, they will get it somewhere else. Please evaluate your parenting skills and take action. Good luck.

Answer 10

I don't think this will make her promiscuous, but it still needs to be dealt with. Spend time with her, but also give her ways to be less self-centered by having her do chores or do acts of service for others.