The main reason why children constantly annoy other kids is due to their desire for attention.  Unfortunately, this attention is negative.  I most children’s eyes, if they can’t get any positive attention, then negative attention is the next best thing.  The best way to deal with your child’s constant annoying behavior towards others is to teach your child how to seek positive attention.

     The first step is to discuss with your child the difference between appropriate and inappropriate social behaviors.  Once your child can verbalize that he or she knows the difference, you can begin to discuss the concept of attention.  Tell your child that there is a difference between positive attention and negative attention.  Let your child know that positive attention from positive actions (e.g. including others, speaking nicely, sharing, etc) results in other kids wanting to be friends and play with your child.  Conversely, your child should be aware that negative attention from negative actions (e.g. name calling, exclusion, stealing, pestering, etc) results in other kids not wanting to be friends and not wanting to play with your child.

     You can also show your child how others react to negative    behaviors while watching television or reading a book.  You can ask your child how he knows that a character is bothering another character.  Then, have your child explain how the person or character being bothered feels about the one who is doing the bothering.  You can also do some role play in your home in order to clearly show your child how to attain positive attention from peers.

     Finally, make sure that family members give your child positive attention.  It is best to eliminate all negative attention, that is, completely ignore inappropriate negative attention seeking behaviors.  Over time, your child will learn that the only attention he or she gets is positive.