4 year old needs constant attention

[Chaiwallah]

Hello everyone, my 4 and half year old son seems to want constant recognition for everything he is doing..."look at me", "watch me do this, watch me do that". He even shouts to strangers to watch him ride his bike or do a magic trick....why is this and is it normal? How can I encourage him to do things for his own enjoyment rather than someone elses recognition?

Ahhh, he sounds lovely! I've come across kids like that and find them pretty charming tho mine were not so self confident. I can't imagine anyone being offended by him.

Sounds like he thrives on attention; he might get more self conscious as he gets older and tone it down a bit. Can you live with it for now?

Thanks Cureall, I don't mind too much unless I'm trying to concentrate on something, I just want him to enjoy the things he is doing for enjoyments sake and not just for praise, it is weird because I've tried so hard to get the balance right, I've been careful not to over praise him but also show him loads of attention, love and interest.

Maybe it's his personality? Or maybe he needs more attention than you thought. I agree with cureall, when he's a little older he should get more self conscious and that should turn it down a bit. I also agree that if a little boy were to ask me to look at him ride his bike I'd find it endearing....