How to Stop Children From Whining
Whining is one of the annoying ways that children use to try to get their way, and many parents are at a loss as to how to stop their child from whining. The child's high-pitched, nasally voice grates on the parents' nerves, driving them to do whatever it takes to make the whining stop. Unfortunately, giving in to whining only causes the snowball effect of more whining. Here is how to stop your child from whining.
Things You'll Need
- Consistency
- Patience
Instructions
Recognize why your child whines. Children whine because it works. The parent says "No." The child whines, annoying their mom or dad. The parent gets so irritated that he gives in to make the whining stop. The child realizes that whining helps him get what he wants, so he uses it to "blackmail" his parent into giving him his way. Resolve not to reward the whining. Your child has learned that whining is an effective way to get what he wants. Resolve to say "No" whenever your child whines, even if you would have otherwise said "Yes." Your child must learn that whining never leads to getting his own way. Refuse to acknowledge whining statements. Whenever your child says something in a whiny voice, say, "I'm sorry. I cannot understand you. Why don't you try using a big boy/girl voice?" Say this in a matter-of-fact tone with no emotion. Hide the fact that the whining bothers you. When you tell your child that you cannot understand her when she whines, she will likely continue whining because this has been effective in the past. Do not let your child see that the whining is getting on your nerves. Instead, act as if you are truly puzzled by the fact that you cannot understand the words that are coming out of her mouth. Ask your child what other strategy might be more effective. Your child will likely become very frustrated that the whining is no longer working. This is a good opportunity for you and your child to brainstorm other, more positive ways that the child might be able to get what he wants. For example, if he wants to watch television, then he can do his homework first. If he wants a candy bar, then he can eat his dinner first. Impose appropriate consequences for alternative bad behaviors. Some children will react to the lack of effectiveness in whining by doing other negative behaviors, such as having a temper tantrum. Impose appropriate consequences for those behaviors without giving in to them. Be consistent. Every time your child whines, react by stating that you cannot understand the child. If you stay consistent, your child will learn that whining accomplishes nothing and will stop whining. Previous:How to Be Positive with Children
