Is there a word for that in English?

Chiple (noun, adjective)
This Spanish word means:
To be pampered, spoiled or much loved.
Ancient mexican slang word meaning:
(noun) the possession of others tenderness or attention as from a parent, sibling or friend.
(Adjective) Needing the love, attention or tenderness of others.


My boys right now are Chiple. All three of them, Aaron, Caleb, and Angel. For clarification, when we use the word, we mostly refer to it as an adjective, as in this case, needing the love, attention, and tenderness of others. I love this word because in Spanish, it can be referred to as similar to spoiled, it is more of a positive spin and there is a different word for spoiled (consentido), which can be referred negatively or positively depending on the context.

Pre-pregnancy Aaron was usually busy playing with the kids and wasn't phased a bit when I got home from work. He'd come give me a hug, then back to playing. Since I've been pregnant, from the second I get home from work, he wants to be by my side. Helping me cook, wash dishes, or just hug him and hold him. The slightest thing makes him cry. And a kiss makes it all better.

"Just us" shopping

Caleb is chiple too, but shows it in a different way. He would rather have me make him a sandwich, tie his shoes--things which he is very capable of doing on his own, or play legos or a video game with him. He likes to go to the store with me so it can be "just us."

Angel often refers to himself as chiple. He says HE needs attention. When he's uptight and about to loose it, he says "Me siento chiple" (I feel chiple). 

They whine, fight, cry, and drive me crazy. Then, with a little bit of attention, they're better.

The end of the day, the boys usually climb up in bed with me and want "their time." Before bedtime prayers, we talk, tell jokes, read books, or whatever usually until Angel kicks them out when he's needing some attention, too.

Angel is convinced this is because I'm having a girl, (we have not found out yet!) and the boys are competing for the attention. Apparently this is an old wives tale in Mexico and basically a sure proof way to know what you are having--I guess only if you have other kids. I say it's just because I'm pregnant and can barely keep up with a family of 5 and have less energy to devide between everyone. And it keeps me praying about being a family of 6!


Regardless of the reasons, 'chiple' definitely describes the boys in our house!  Is there a word for that in English?