If there was a list out there of one of the most annoying things parents experience, it wouldn’t be surprising if “whining” topped that list.
Whining is not the desired response to asking your child to do a chore, brush their teeth or eat their broccoli, but it happens none the less and some children are serious champions at it.
It is important to note that whining, while annoying, is also a totally normal part of childhood. Despite how normal whining is, it is also important to note that giving into all your children’s wants and needs will only stop the whining short-term and reinforce their bad behavior long term.
To prevent the whining and put a stop to it almost entirely, it is a good idea to find long-term solutions that actually work.
HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR CHILD’S WHINING
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ANTICIPATE THE WHINE
The best way to nip the whining in the bud is to acknowledge your child before they are in distress.
If it is possible, make sure to respond to your child as soon as they try to get your attention. If you are unable to give your child immediate attention, it is a good idea to at least acknowledge that they have a need for something and let them know that you will be available in a few minutes.
DON’T IGNORE IT
It may be tempting to put your headphones or even some earplugs in, but you really should resist that temptation. Ignoring the whining will only make the problem worse.
Instead, make it clear that you don’t understand their whining voice and that you will only be able to help your child when they speak clearly and in their own voice.
STAY PATIENT
Staying calm and keeping your cool can be really difficult when you find yourself with a whining child in your ear. Losing your patience, however, only stands to make the situation worse.
Take a deep breath and try to remind yourself that your child may just need your help. Be patient and that patience will most likely rub off on them.
There are many ways to nipping the whining in the bud for good. Acknowledging the issue and staying patient are both very important. Just remember to stay firm and teach your child that you are more responsive when asked for something nicely, than when they whine.
You may also like this post on 4 TIPS TO BE A CALMER PARENT:
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Brian Hwang
Friday 19th of January 2018
I find that telling my kids their emotions they are feeling in these moments also helps like "it's ok to be sad" or "it's ok to be upset". I think they want to know they are understood.
Krista M
Friday 19th of January 2018
I like the tip about not understanding their whining voice & they must use their own voice. It encourages them to change the behaviour in a positive way.