More Tips on How to Help Children Stop Whining
Posted on February 18, 2010 under Our Speakers' Tips, ParentingBy Tammy Gold, parent coach: Gold Parent Coaching
- Reinforce & Praise – Praise and reinforce good ways of speaking on a daily basis. Praise “please & thank you” and reinforce the example that when they speak the right way you will attend to them and engage with them immediately. Also express that you appreciate their listening to you and following your directions.
- Use Charts & Rewards- If it is really becoming a problem for older children, try using behavioral modification charts and rewards. You can mark the days that they remained “whine free” with a small reward. On the flip side, when they have a “whiney moment” take away the intended reward for that day or week.
- Encourage & Support- It is always important to encourage and support your children, even when they are whining. You never want the message to be that “expressing your feelings angers mom or dad,” but rather learning “how to be mature and engage in appropriate behaviors”. Even when disciplining your children explain that you do want them to express themselves and it is acceptable to do so. However, you are also trying to take the time to teach them because you love them.
To see more tips on helping children to stop whining, read our earlier post here.
