Whining is a learned behavior. Yes, that IS the good news. It means that whining can be UNLEARNED 🙂
It is difficult to be patient when our children are whining. All children will test out this method and usually when we are on our last nerve. It is our job as parents to teach them a better, more appropriate way. We have all given in to the demands of a whining 3 year old when we were tired, overwhelmed or distracted. If we give in our child will stop whining in that moment, but also learn that this technique works as a means to an end. This guarantees your child will continue whining in the future.
Some ways to nip whining in the bud:
1) Do not be a pushover. Every time your child whines and you feel tempted to give in to quiet the chaos, picture your child as a 12, 15 or even 18 year old whining. I guarantee that you will not picture this as a pretty sight and certainly not an age appropriate behavior. It will appear a bit ridiculous and will remind you in the moment to address it rather than letting it go on (“just this one time”).
2) Teach your child the proper way to use their words. If they are whining because they want to watch a TV show tell them in a calm voice “You can say Mom may I watch TV now? in this voice”. Model the correct voice for them.
3) Once the calm voice technique is taught you can remind them that they are whining by saying
“I am happy to give you an answer as soon as you use your calm voice”.
4) Stay consistent. Possibly the hardest, but definitely the most effective step.
Patient parent on 🙂
Patient Parenting 101 
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