You know the drill, they whine and whine and whine and eventually you give in just to keep your sanity. We’ve all done it from time to time, even though we know that it is mistake number one. When we give in to our child’s whining we show them that the longer they whine the more likely they are to get what they want. Instead of giving in, try to get to the bottom of the whining. Are they tired? Are they hungry? Are they venting about something? Even toddlers need a chance to express themselves. After a particularly long day they may simply be trying to tell you how they are feeling. Have you ever called your mom up at the end of the day to complain about one thing or another? This is no different. Your child is simply trying to tell you that she had a rough day. Listen to her and let her know that you understand how she is feeling. Sometimes that’s all they really need.
Make sure you teach your child an appropriate way to ask for things so that they don’t think that whining will actually get them what they want. Teach them to use their big kid voice and to say please. It’s much easier on the ears, and they are more likely to get what they want if they are being polite.
When they do ask calmly be sure to reward them for the behavior. This gives them more incentive to ask that way the next time too. Before long they learn that whining will get them nowhere and that the only way to really get what they want is to ask nicely for it. Try to relate to your child. You don’t always think rationally when you are tired and hungry and have had a long day either. They’re really no different.