Whining

The whining kid keeps asking and bugging us to do something he's been told he can't do. He may want an extra snack or to go outside after dark. Usually his voice is high-pitched and irritating. There's nothing mysterious about what causes whining. Whining is a mini-temper tantrum. It's the opposite of a screaming tantrum.

Here's how to eliminate whining:

• First: Tell your child what you expect: "I can't understand you when you're whining. Come back to me when you can talk in your normal voice."
• Second: If whining continues, ignore your child completely. No eye contact and no conversation. Don't try to reason with your child. If necessary, go to a different room.
• Third: If the whining is loud or nerve-wracking, tell your child to take a 3 minute time-out in the "whining chair." That should be somewhere boring and at the other end of the house.
• Fourth: Be sure to give your child lots of positive attention when he's not whining.

In summary, you must teach your child that whining never works. Dealing with whining now is important for preventing complaining behavior in adults.

If you have other questions about your child's behavior, consult your healthcare provider.