by Kim Sharpe

Created on: August 14, 2008

Whining seems to start at around two years of age. Perhaps thats why they call that age the dreaded 'terrible two's'. It is an on going noise that children seem to make to get attention when in a situation that they are upset about. Its not crying exactly. But the effect can be quite grating. It often forces a parent to give in to their childs wishes in a public place like a supermarket if the child begins to whine for a candy bar. This just reinforces the bad behavior.

Most children whine when they are tired. I know that my daughter only tends to whine if she has had a long day with no nap and she is just flat out tired. The first thing I do to try to stop her whining is to get down on her level. Its hard to only be two and a half feet tall and look up at an adult. Put yourself in your childs shoes. So I will kneel down and address whatever it is that she is feeling. This lets her wrap her little arms around my neck and try to communicate what she needs without the whining.

If I'm unable to get down on the floor and to her level then I will pick her up and talk softly to her. I will try my best to understand what she wants or what she is upset about. If its something that she cannot have like a candy bar then I explain her to her the reasons why in terms that she can grasp and then I redirect her. Get her attention somewhere else so she forgets about whatever it is that she thinks she must have at that moment.

The best way to stop whining is simply to make sure your child is not overly tired. Make sure they are well rested. If they really need a nap then lay down beside them and read to them until they fall asleep. Or tell them a story. Avoiding exhaustion in your child will definitely cut back on the whining.

Try to avoid situations where your child will whine. In a supermarket if your child wants a candy bar then redirect her. Have a granola bar in your diaper bag and give that to her instead. Or some apple slices. Pack snacks and come prepared to convince her or him that they don't require that candy bar. Redirection is the key when whining starts if you cannot reason with your toddler.

If the whining continues no matter what you have done to try to make your small one happy then just shrug your shoulders and smile. Don't let it upset you. Just keep your cool and be happy and jolly with your child. Eventually the whining will cease and your child will try to communicate to you in other ways.

Remember that whining is just a stage and it will pass. Just do all that you can to redirect your toddler and reason with him or her during this trying stage of raising.

Learn more about this author, Kim Sharpe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.