HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Is The Reason Of Spiteful,manipulating,violent And Attention Seeking Behaviour In A Child?

Hi, I am a Case Manager working with a family with 3 children. Ages 6,8 14 yrs. The MOther is a single parent who has implemented strategies of predictability, safeness, routines, rules, planned activitites with the children, spends time In with them doing family fun things. The Mother speaks calmly and rationally to her children, there is strong attachment with the Mother to the children. The 8 yr old girl displays spiteful, manipulating and violent behaviours towards her Mother and siblings, all unprovoked. The 8 yr old has been missing school citing she is sick, or being bullied or teased all of which have been unfounded by the school. The Mother is aware of her daughter s manipulation and dishonesty & spitefulness. The daughter seeks attention from her Mother consistently which has been observed during home visits and is jealous of her siblings receiving attention. The Mother has ensured her daughter is linked into social activities which will enhance her social and emotional development. However this ongoing behaviour is concerning, despite furher interventions being put in place. It doesn t appear to be disorganized attachment, it seems to present as a kind of Narcistic behaviour? We are all baffled by it and would appreciate your thoughts on this situation- Regards- Darissa.
Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Report Abuse
Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi, Thanks for asking. In my opinion the child is having attention seeking behaviour. A Behaviour when it is rewarded is repeated. If she gets the attention by behaving like this then she may repeat this behaviour. Make it a point to ignore her attention seeking behaviour and decide regarding the consequences of her spiteful behaviour beforehand. Like no t v time or half hour early to bed can be decided as consequences for violent or spiteful behaviour. Citing sick should not be an option to miss school. It should not be allowed. Do not write a note for her saying she is sick. Instead let her face the natural consequences of remaining absent from school.
If all this does not work psychological counselling may be required.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Attachment theory


Loading Online Doctors....
What Is The Reason Of Spiteful,manipulating,violent And Attention Seeking Behaviour In A Child?

Hi, Thanks for asking. In my opinion the child is having attention seeking behaviour. A Behaviour when it is rewarded is repeated. If she gets the attention by behaving like this then she may repeat this behaviour. Make it a point to ignore her attention seeking behaviour and decide regarding the consequences of her spiteful behaviour beforehand. Like no t v time or half hour early to bed can be decided as consequences for violent or spiteful behaviour. Citing sick should not be an option to miss school. It should not be allowed. Do not write a note for her saying she is sick. Instead let her face the natural consequences of remaining absent from school. If all this does not work psychological counselling may be required.