Parenting: How to Stop Whining

It is inevitable that your child will, at some point, become a whiner. This is a very nerve racking event for parents. It is also very annoying for everyone that has to deal with it. There are ways to stop your child from whining. Usually, children will whine because they want something. In smaller children, this happens when the child doesn't really know the right way to ask for something. It is up to your to teach your child how ask instead of whining his/her request.

Here are some ways to stop your child from whining:

Withhold

Do not give the child what he/she wants until he/she stops whining and asks for what he/she wants. You must teach the child how to ask though. When your child whines, tell him/her to stop whining. State very clearly "Say can I have that nicely and then you can have it". Your child will eventually learn the fine art of asking instead of whining. It takes a lot of time and practice, but he/she will master it. Don't forget to give your child what he/she is asking for as a reward.

Discouragement

Giving your child what he/she wants when he/she whines is encouraging him/her to do it. Do not give into a whining child. Although it is easier to just give over to it than to listen to the crying, it isn't good for your child to give in. Stay strong and gather your nerves. It is better to discourage the behavior now or the child will feel that is how he/she will get things throughout his/her life.

Whine Along

It's not as much fun as a sing along but it often works to stop your child's whining. Repeat back to the child in the same voice and manner what he or she is saying. This often gets on his/her nerves and is enough to put end to it. It may sound like a childish action but if you think about it, who are you dealing with? Annoying the child might be just enough to get them to stop annoying you.

Lead By Example

Adults are sometimes whiners too. Be a good example and don't whine in front of your children to get your way. It is more annoying for an adult to do it anyway. Be a good example to your child. Children mimic their parents. If you "ask nicely" your child will learn to ask nicely as well.

Children are going to whine. It is inevitable. Learning how to steer your child in a different direction is the first step to getting it to stop. Put it to practice today so that your little one doesn't annoy people with it for the rest of his/her life.