Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children. William Makepeace Thackeray
The Whys of Whining


"Moooooooooooom!"

It's irritating, it's frustrating and it gets on your last nerve. Though it's obnoxious and unacceptable, it's actually an effective for your child to get your attention. It's whining. But, like other bad habits, you can nip it in the bud early with a few simple strategies to teach your child there are other appropriate, effective forms of communicating with you.

First, try limiting the situations that trigger it. Avoid extra errands when the kids are hungry. Don't let them get involved in a frustrating game or project prior to bedtime. Pay attention when your child is talking, as sometimes whining is a reaction when a child feels you aren't giving them your full attention. Praise them for not whining and talking in a normal and understandable voice that allows you to fully understand what they are saying to you.

When the whining begins, don't overreact. Keep your response simple, calm and neutral. Ask your child to repeat the request in a normal tone. When giving in seems inevitable, don't delay. If you must finish the grocery shopping so you can put dinner on the table, for instance, and your child starts whining for a snack, offer something healthy right away.

Once a limit has been set, parents should follow through. It's imperative that both parents are on board with this limit and fully follow through when the whining rule has been violated.

If you have an older child that's developing a whining habit, suggest they come up with a solution to their perceived boredom or other voiced problem. If you suggest possible alternatives, it might just prolong the child's whining.

Sometimes whining can be the result of trauma and trouble in their life. A divorce, serious family illness or problems at school may be at the root. Additional positive attention and quality one-on-one time may be just the medicine your child needs at a time like this. Your pediatrician can also suggest alternatives to curb whining should the positive attention and disciplinary actions be ineffective.

Book Child Good Guidecom Parenting

Talk to your child, and explain to them in age-appropriate terms how they are communicating and why their method doesn't work.

Parenting Your Teenager Presented by (Garden City News)
A.J. DeCamello, PhD, NYS Licensed Psychologist Concerned about what's coming up next with your teenager?!? Learn to adopt a series of supportive guidelines to be more savvy and successful during these challenging years. Find ways to resolve issues common to all families with adolescents. In this parent-friendly exploration, Dr.


A parent's goals by disciplining their child is to protect them from danger, to help them learn self-control and self-discipline and to develop a sense of responsibility.
Take your time eating, and teach your children how to do the same in the process. When kids break rules, parents often overreact with harsh, disproportionate and unenforceable punishment, which undermines the effectiveness of setting rules. Children who spend quality time with their parents often do better in school, and excel in extracurricular activities, hobbies or sports. However, don't lose your strength and your will during this time.

Teenagers need to be able to be an individual and be independent, but with strong parental guidance and influence, are more likely to make smart choices in difficult situations.
However, parents who work in high-stress jobs or are stay-at-home parents who are feeling frustrated or isolated are also at risk. Develop a positive line of communication with your child's teacher. You probably know from experience and mistakes how important it is to be consistent, firm and to always follow through with designated disciplinary consequences. ' Those are the rules set forth to protect our child's health, safety and well-being. Frustration is an unavoidable part of kids' lives as they learn how people, objects, and their own bodies work. Since a young child can drown in less than just an inch of water, it is imperative to closely supervise them in the bathroom at all times.