Top parenting stories this week
What To Do About Whining
Prevent whining with the right kind of attention
The fact your child is whining at you can be frustrating at the best of times, but when you're trying to do a million things at once, it can be hard not to lose your temper. Here's what you can try instead:
-
Leave the adult world behind for a few minutes and join your child in the now, but in a way that works for you. This simply means focusing most of your attention on your child and what's important to her right this moment.
- Try to find a way to include her in what you're doing. If you're prepping a meal, get her to set the table, or help you stir, or give your child her own pot and utensils to play with–anything that will help her feel involved in the process.
-
Create a special seat in the kitchen called a "time with me seat." That way your child can be with you–without being underfoot.
- Have your child sit in her "special" seat as she eats from the "dinner box" and let her do more talking than you do. Begin by asking her direct questions about her day and then let her talk about anything. This process gives her the attention she's craving and doesn't force you stop the flow of family life as you provide one-on-one time.
These two strategies will help you avoid yelling or punishing–and will fill your child's needs for food and attention now, allowing the whole family to relax and enjoy a calmer, happier evening.
Meet our expert:
Sharon Silver is a mom, educator and the founder and director of ProActive Parenting, www.proactiveparenting.net a site helping parents switch from punishment to discipline as they deal with toddler and preschooler behavior. ProActive Parenting is the result of Silver's desire to help parents bridge the gap between the logical adult world, the emotional world of toddlers and preschoolers and the reality of every day life.
