Children generally love getting attention since they become the center of the universe for their parents. However, when they grow up their behaviour tends to change with time. They either become attention-seekers or start to shy away from the limelight. While both of these situations are not worrisome when it's in moderation, it can impact the child’s behaviour when they seek attention or dislike it in extreme.
So, what's the best way to deal with this? How do you strike a balance so that your child grows into a confident speaker who has everyone's attention while never being an excessive attention seeker?
Ignore the attention-seeking behaviour, not your child
Children do several things to receive attention most commonly they tend to do what they are repeatedly asked not to do. This is because they are getting your attention. However, it does not mean that you would ignore the child when you feel they can hurt themselves or others.
But you can definitely promote positive attention by listening and paying more attention to them when they behave in a better way. Praise, embraces, high fives, and rewards are just a few ways to show your child that you care. Praise for behaviors you wish to promote is more effective than punishing them for doing something you don't want them to do.
Allowing children to know that you appreciate their good behaviors, regardless of their age, would make them feel positive. Moreover, if they know precisely what they are being complimented for, they will become more inclined towards repeating the behaviour again in the future.
Now, what about those children who dislike attention? How can you make them more confident in the public? Here is the solution.
Encourage children to interact
When a child is too shy and doesn't ever want to come into the limelight he/she can miss out on some opportunities that will come over a period of time in their life. They will have to face interviews, discussions. It is required for being an active member in a social community and for sheer confidence while speaking or appearing in public.
Don't ever force them to talk, instead make them realize the value of a strongly opinionated speaker. When discussing a topic among yourself and other family members keep your child also involved. Appreciate it if they can bring some valid points to you. Gradually enroll them in public speaking classes, debates where they will receive positive attention when they speak for a purpose.
