Explanation:

- The sentence is about a mother trying to affect her child's attention.

- Option 1: Disturb - This means to interrupt or bother someone, usually causing them discomfort. It doesn't fit as it would not comfort a crying child.

- Option 2: Absorb - This means to soak up a liquid or to fully engage someone's attention. It's not usually used in this context for stopping a child from crying.

- Option 3: Attract - This means to draw attention or interest towards something. It's not typically used when trying to stop someone from crying.

- Option 4: Distract - This means to divert attention from something distressing, which is what a mother might do to stop her child from crying over a toy.