Help me understand this poor kiddo?

Question

There is this kid in my neighborhood - he's about nine- who is overly-social. I mean annoyingly so. At first I didn't mind him tagging along with us while I walked my son to school, then after about the third time- yes not much time later!- he just really got on our nerves and now we avoid him.

He is really talkative. Thats not a bad thing, but the way in which he does it is extreme. He RUNS up to strangers- i see him do this to ANYONE!! Complete strangers! - and he starts to tell them ANYTHING. Whats in his school bag, what his dad said today, what his dad does for a living, what his dad girlfriend said, what he ate for dinner. He does not wait for the person to talk, he just rambles on and on non-stop. In between his rambles, he makes silly noises - aggravating silly noises- like panting and puffing and other things. He's also overweight. When he plays outside he screams like a girl for fun! Is he neglected? What is wrong with him?

I know kids are funny, but this one is strange...

Answer 1

there could be any # of problems.

negligence

Answer 2

he might have a mental issue or no-one to talk to at home

Answer 3

He's probably A.D.D. Ask him who his mommy and daddy is.

Answer 4

Like others have said, he may be very lonely and looking for some type of attachment.

However from what you've mentioned, it sounds like the kid could have Aspergers (a mild form of Autism).  The ones I've seen have no social boundaries, make a lot of noise and talk non-stop.  Many times they are extremely bright on certian topics but definately lack social skills.

Answer 5

Everyone's quick to blame the parents, but have you considered that he might be special needs? High-functioning autistic kids may seem otherwise totally typical but can't read social cues.  Kids with tourettes sometimes have vocal tics that cause them to make noises that they really can't control.  Or there's always just the possibility that he's a quirky kid.  In any event, I'd use the chance teach your child to be kind to kids who are a little quirky.  Just because he's unusually talkative doesn't mean that he wouldn't make a good friend.

Answer 6

He probably gets neglected, especially since you mentioned he talks about his dad's girlfriend.  His dad probably gives more attention to the girlfriend.

You should let him come along and play with your kid, he's just a kid, talking, and playing, yes more than most, but most likely because of neglection, or something else.

Tell him what is annoying so he will stop, but invite him over so he doesn't feel like you are neglecting him too, and so he can have someone to play with.

Also, you need to make him realize that he can't just talk to strangers, he could get kidnapped that way.

Answer 7

It sounds to me like he's not getting enough positive attention at home.  Alot of young kids will ramble and babble on to people about all sorts of things, but if this kid isn't giving the other person time to respond and is just talking for the sake of talking to someone, I'd bet he's just starving for someone to talk to.  I'm sure he's annoying, but if you would picture this child as yours, how would that make you feel?  Would you want him talking to strangers just for attention?  I think you should invite him over to play with your son sometime.  The more friends he has the more he's likely to adjust and become less annoying.  Good Luck.

Answer 8

Usually when children do not receive enough attention they may behave in ways that are seen as strange.  This is an attempt to get attention.  It does not matter whether this attention is positive or negative, as long as they get it.  This boy sounds like he has some issues with his dad as he talks about him a lot.  Either the father might not be giving him attention or he is telling these stories to raise his dad to "hero" status.  He might have a low self-esteem and has to over compensate for this.  

This child is only nine.  It is not abnormal for a child to act childish and overwhelming.  

Don't necessarily push this child away, rather set boundaries and act like the adult in this situation.  Be caring and supportive.

Best of luck and I hope this info helps.

Answer 9

I know someone very similar to this, and she is extremely neglected. The poor girl will talk to anyone and everyone, and often bugs the h**l out of them. One day , i just asked her-- why do you talk so much? , and she said, " because nobody listens to me at home".... and it is true, the poor child has no one who pays any mind ( at all ) to her.  She has very erratic behavior ( she is 12) but seems like a child of 6 or so because she has been so neglected.  For a long time i avoided her, but now I simply tell her to slow down and calm down, and I give her a chance to "socialize'. It seems to help calm her a  bit.

Answer 10

maybe you should bring this up to his parents. he may just be very talkative because he's neglected at home or maybe he has an actual problem. could he have adhd or be slightly autistic?

Answer 11

Some kids are just like that. Its not there fault its there parents genes in him. Just say wow really? or Cool, and then just kinda walk away to give him the idea you are giving him to much info. His parents probably dont talk to him very much or tell him to be quiet when he is talking. Just let him know that he is giving people to much info.  Also while your at it teach him stranger danger ( he needs it! ).If he starts talking to random people and one of them could be dangerous. All you have to do ia let him know.

Answer 12

There's a good chance he doesn't get positive attention at home. He's probably desperately seeking that. He also doesn't seem to understand social cues. He probably hasn't ever had any close friends I'm guessing so he doesn't know he's being obnoxious. A lot of kids that haven't had much chance to be socialized by peers or patient adults end up like that. I totally empathize with your wanting to avoid him. If you do end up spending time with him, try to nudge him in a more positive direction with his social skills. It can be hard since he's not your child, but try to give him direction. Gently tell him that the noises he is making are bothering you, would he please stop. Try to get him to see that a conversation shouldn't be one-sided. Even tell him sharing personal information about his dad isn't always appropriate. There is a good chance that you and his teachers will be the only ones that ever do that for him. The sooner he learns to socialize correctly, the better his life will be for him.

Answer 13

It sounds like he needs some attention so he talks to anyone that listens. So just take a few min out of a day and be there to listen and try to talk back (communicate with the kid)

Answer 14

He's just a kid, come on... If you are worried talk to his parents, tell them he talks to strangers etc

Answer 15

My guess is that he's either starved for attention or he may have a very mild disorder. Some of his characteristics sounds like a neighborhood boy here who has Asperger's Syndrome. In my case, I enjoy his company so I listen to him. In your case, you might want to gently tell  him that your walk to school is private time for your son and you.