Attention Seeking Or Connection Seeking: Why Kids Act Out When They Need You the Most. part 1 episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 17, 2026 · 27 MIN

Attention Seeking Or Connection Seeking: Why Kids Act Out When They Need You the Most. part 1

from Brain Based Parenting · host Cal Farley's

Send us Fan MailYour kid isn’t trying to ruin your day, they’re trying to find you. We unpack a parenting trap that shows up in every home: calling a child “attention seeking” and missing the deeper need for relationship, attachment, and felt safety.We tell a few honest stories about the ridiculous things kids do to get a reaction, then we zoom in on what’s happening under the surface. When a child interrupts your phone call, acts goofy at the worst time, or melts down after you walk in the door, it can be a bid for connection that clashes with your stress and burnout. Using a brain-based parenting lens, we talk about why those moments trigger adults, how kids pick up on our posture and energy, and why a quick, connected response often prevents bigger behavior later.We also get practical about what connection seeking looks like at different ages, from toddlers who want constant closeness to teens who act aloof while still craving reassurance. We share simple scripts, the “love tank” idea, and why being “annoyingly reassuring” can protect adolescents from chasing connection in riskier places. If you care about child behavior, trauma-informed parenting, and building a home where kids feel seen, this conversation will give you tools you can use today..Contact:[email protected] To Donate: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?3358.donation=form1&df_id=3358&mfc_pref=TTo Apply:https://apply.workable.com/cal-farleys-boys-ranch/j/25E1226091/For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch:https://www.calfarley.org/Music:"Shine" -NewsboysCCS License No. 9402

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 17, 2026

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Send us Fan Mail Your kid isn’t trying to ruin your day, they’re trying to find you. We unpack a parenting trap that shows up in every home: calling a child “attention seeking” and missing the deeper need for relationship, attachment, and felt safety. We tell a few honest stories about the ridiculous things kids do to get a reaction, then we zoom in on what’s happening under the surface. When a child interrupts your phone call, acts goofy at the worst time, or melts down after you walk in th...

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Attention Seeking Or Connection Seeking: Why Kids Act Out When They Need You the Most. part 1

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