Is it normal for my DD to get jealous of me paying attention to other children?

[BarbaraVineFan]

I am a single mum to a lovely DD who is almost 4. She is usually very kind and empathetic to others (not just me saying it, it has been mentioned by teachers and friends) but when we are with other children and I pay them attention, and particularly when I praise another child for something, DD gets jealous and upset and says things like 'she's not good! I'm good!' Just wondering if this is normal and how to deal with it- I definitely don't want DD growing up thinking she is the centre of attention!

No advice my DD (7) is exactly the same and always has been. So watching with interest!

My dd was the same. She grew out of expressing it but I think she still feels a bit jealous! But then I suspect we all do a little bit of our friends get praised by someone we love. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣

Haha mine was always like "that's my mummy".

Didn't even like his dad sitting next to me. Or other children. I just held his hand when he was small and told him when I squeezed it I was thinking of him.

He had very close relationships with grandparents too, he was very good at being cute and getting people to dote on him.

He's 10 now, we do special activities/spend time together. He is a bit jealous of the dog but has no problem ignoring me when his friends are round. We are still pretty close, I've heard him telling his friends that he loves his mum.

My granddaughter was the same. She would get jealous if I spent time with my best friend instead of her. She did grow out of it, thankfully.

Yep, completely normal. My eldest hated me paying attention to other kids, or even his dad. Thought he would get very jealous when the new baby arrived, but he was brilliant from day 1.

@BarbaraVineFan perfectly normal!!

one of my Godsons I was like hus second Mum. We were very close. If I went around to see his Mum, my best friend, he would say *MY Vin' and be quite attention seeking unless I focussed solely on him & if there was another child around he didn't really like it.

Thanks everyone, this makes me feel better! How do you all handle it? Anything that works would be appreciated!

I make sure I make a big deal out of mummy and dd time together and make sure she knows I am proud of her and love her. And I say it’s ok to feel that but try not to be cross or grumpy and remember that I love her etc.