At what age can you expect them to understand that they can't be the centre of attention all the time?

[emkana]

dd2 is really hard work atm.

One of the things that drive me mad is her constant greed for attention, to have the focus on her. I'm trying to get her to understand that sometimes she can't be, by for example completely focussing on dd1 and ignoring dd2 completely then. When I do this though dd2 talks non-stop, as she will always start talking to me the moment I start talking to dd1.

Dh thinks she's too young - she's 2.9. What do you think?

My dd1 hates not having all the attention and will interupt or talk over anyone who isn't giving her their full attention.I am hoping that this is normal childish behaviour as she is now 4!

No advice, emkana, except that dd 2.8 is the same. As she is still the only one, dh and I generally give in to her unless there is a very good reason why at least one of us can't give her attention. Will be interesting to see what happens when her sibling arrives

I do think it is normal but is it something that you should try to work actively against?

It makes me so cross sometimes because dd1 will just stand back and let dd2 take the limelight, and I don't think that's fair on dd1!

I have just one dd who's nearly 4. She went through a phase somewhere just turned 3-ish where it was impossible for me to talk on the phone, have a (brief!) chat with dp or a friend if we met up with someone. I tried to both keep her reassured that if my attention were elsewhere I still had time for her but that I also needed to talk to somebody else and the more she interrupts the longer it would take for me to get to her. Now at 4 she's so much better. If dp and I start talking she just kind of drifts off in a (might-as-well-give-up) despondent kind of way and gets on with something else. I always make a point of rewarding her with much praise when she does that though.

yes ds3 is like this and its made wore by half term

he is three

i am teaching him to put his hnad u if he wants to talk not put his hand acrsoss my nmouth!!!

they never realise this til they're grown and left home...my sisters 17 and still thinks we're all on this earth for her benefit only

36 if my dh is anything to go by