Tips to Stop Your Kid Whining
Whining is hard to take for many parents because it’s irritating:
That pleading, grating voice. That tortured expression. Goldsack sums it up when she says, “It’s like a million little nails on a chalkboard.” No doubt about it, whining drives parents nuts. Still, kids have a variety of not-always-charming habits. So why is this one so hard to take?
Behind whining there are different reasons that need different approach to help kids kick this habit. Sometimes it calls for tactical ignoring, sometimes a warm hug. How do we know when to use what? Over at Today’s Parent, Bonny Reichert has a very good post on how to handle this not-so-nice habit of preschoolers.
Even better, I found some parents’ tricks on stopping their toddlers from whining. Here’s the funniest one, I guess:
“When my toddler starts to whine, I sing a song that she likes and she quickly joins in, with her little babbling voice.” - Jeanette Youmans, Deseronto, Ont.
The most effective one:
“I tell my kids that whining won’t change my mind, but I will listen to manners. When a child asks politely, I always listen, but I don’t ‘negotiate’with whiners.” - Julie Larose, Prescott, Ont.
Pick whatever you think that works for your little one when he/she whines. Every now and then we all need these tricks!
How to Un-whine [Today's Parent]