How do you handle whining from your kids?
Posted September 19, 2015 - 11:28am
Whining sends me through the roof. It really grates on my nerves. I tell my kids that I won't respond to whining and try to ignore them. Anyone have other strategies?
jonbonjovious
I'm of the nature..."You get what you get and you don't throw a fit". If I assess that they are not hungry, not tired...but just whining, I ask them to tell me 3 things they're thankful for and then remind them those are the things they should focus on!
beachcitymom
I like this too! Great advice :)
Your Kid's Table
Oooh I love that! And yes, I totally agree. I don't overly cater to my kids.
Frugal Minded M...
I love the tip of saying 3 things to be thankful when they are simply complaining. My only problem is mine tend to whine when they get in trouble or are in fight with siblings. This is especially true of my 9 year old.
jonbonjovious
We punish the child who whines about the other in a fight. Fighting is one thing, but I am determined to remind my children that they should have each other's backs at all times. We remind them that a fight requires two people and at all times, there is always the option to have walked away and/or told an adult. If they whine when they are in trouble, I double the punishment. This is not to say I am not open to discussing it with them, but whining doesn't win Mom over.
Frugal Minded M...
Great tip about punishing the whiner in the fight.
Your Kid's Table
I really want to instill that same principal in my kids too, and try to remind them of it often.
Mommy Ramblings
Oh whining how it grates on my nerves too which is why I am sure they do it. I try to to access why it is happening and if they are hungry or tired or may be getting sick try to redirect them to getting a snack, sitting down and doing something quiet, taking a rest etc. If not then explain that I need them to talk and stop whining and see if there is a solution for what they are whining about.
Your Kid's Table
That is a great point, and definitely is something I *try* to keep in mind too. We can get really busy as parents, and just stopping together can make all the difference.
justamom
Easy fix. I send crying, whining complaining kids to their rooms & have them complain to the walls. Usually works really well. Sometimes just threatening works. If we're outside I send them to the car. Same results.
jonbonjovious
LOL! I love this!
Hallz105
For us it isn't so much whining but SCREAMING. My 6 year old daughter crazy screams when my son bothers her. She is usually the one that ends up getting punished. He does provoke her but she needs to learn to use words rather than freak out! I also like the 3 things you're thankful for idea! I might have to try that one!
Your Kid's Table
One of mine can scream at times, and your right that makes you nuts too! I also have to frequently say, "I cant help you if you are screaming."
CandyOvercaffed
When they whine I tell them, "I can't understand a thing you're saying when you are whining. If you want to tell me, tell with no whining." And keep telling them that until we are actually talking.
Your Kid's Table
I try to be consistent about that too!
Frugal Minded M...
I often reply with I Can't Understand you as well. That usually gets them to stop.
CandyOvercaffed
What's funny is I really can't understand them when they are whining. It just hurts my ears so much. Like nails on a chalkboard.
sunnykathleen
I agree with CandyOvercaffed. I tell the kids in my class that I don't understand whining. When they feel ready to use their big voice I can hear it perfectly fine. I don't answer at all to a whine.