Let Them Know That Whining Is Unacceptable Behavior

Whining is a common behavior for toddlers, pre-schoolers, elementary and middle schoolers alike. It is frequently compared to fingernails on a chalkboard, as it is one of those sounds that can instantly grab your attention (and get on your nerves). Without proper intervention, this bad habit could get worse as they grow older. Here are some tips for breaking the whining habit.

Call It Out
Did your child have a particularly busy day? Are they hungry, cold or tired? Kids usually start to whine to express their frustration or because they do not want to do something. Often, they do not even realize that they are doing it. Call out their attention to this behavior by giving them a warning. Talk to them about what they sound like and model a more positive way of expressing their feelings. Be careful to do this in a manner that does not hurt their feelings or make fun of them — the idea is to help the child realize what whining sounds like and not to mock their feelings.
Let them know that there are more appropriate ways of expressing themselves and their feelings. Patiently tell your child that you will not listen to them until they use a much nicer voice. You may say, "The way you are talking does not sound very good to my ears, what other way can you say it to make it sound better?" If your child continues to whine, you may want to agree on a nonverbal signal that you can use (such as scratching your ear) to show that they are still using an inappropriate