Make it stop ...

This summer vacation I have heard more than my share of whining and I just can't take anymore. But what to do about it?

I found this resource on the iMOM website. I'm hoping this will help me in my quest to end the whines.

Whining: 10 Ways to Get Your Kids to Stop Whining


1. Ignore them

The vast majority of parents polled on this subject all say that ignoring a whining child is a great technique. This tends to come easier for women than it does for men. However, ignoring a whining child will eventually teach them that it gets them nowhere. As one mom said, "They stop when they see it's not working."

2. Leave the room

When your child begins to whine, simply leave the room. A parent explained, "I walk away from my 8-year-old to another part of the house.  He eventually comes around to see if I will throw the baseball or whatever. I explain I'd love to if he loses the attitude!"  Excellent advice.

3. Remove the cause

When it happens that your child is whining about a particular item, simply remove access to that item.  For example: Your children are whining about a toy they both want. After giving them time to work it out themselves, and it gets to that point, take the toy and put it away.

4. Name it

A father notes, "I tell them I don't understand whinese. They know they won't get very far with me, so they check themselves."  Using humor in this situation not only lightens the tension, it helps to bond with your kids.

5. Time Out

In cases of young children, the Time Out works for many different issues. This includes whining. An experienced babysitter stated, "Get down to their eye level and explain that you can see they are frustrated.  Instruct them to go somewhere quiet and think about why they are upset. In about five minutes, they will come back changed for the better."

6. Watch your tone

Men tend to have very low tolerance for whining.  It is a natural instinct to want to use intimidation to squash it usually by raising your voice to a high volume.  However, this can lower your child's self-esteem, as well as make them fear you. Instead, try using a firm and strong voice, but in a calm manner.

7. Change the Subject

A parent notes, "With my 3 year-old, changing the subject has an 85% success rate. When he whines, I will ask him a completely random question he can answer. Then we just move on from there."  Redirecting the attention of young children is always a great technique for many different situations. They are always eager to share their opinions!

8. The Whiny Jar

If your child receives an allowance, this is an outstanding technique. Whenever your child begins to whine, give them a warning. If it continues, they lose a portion of their allowance, and it goes into The Whiny Jar.  When enough money builds up, have them earn back the lost cash with extra chores.

9. You are the role model

Whining is not exclusive to children. We all whine from time to time, and it does not go unnoticed by your kids. Be sure when you are around them to think about the things you say and how they are said. Your kids are learning how to behave from you. Everything starts at the top, so be a good role model, and you will see the results in your children.

10. Make sure your kids get enough sleep

The number one reason a child usually becomes whiny is a lack of proper rest. As one doctor puts it, "Parents usually underestimate the amount of sleep their children require to function at their best. Sleep deprivation puts children's brains in a stress mode that creates a constant state of irritability."   Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and it will help in every aspect of their life.