Most parents have experienced this. Your child wants something, and tries to get it from you by needling you endlessly. Sometimes, the whining even escalates to tantrums. This behavior is not just annoying. Left unchecked, this can lead to your child becoming entitled. Here are ways to address and stop your child’s whining and begging, from Modern Mom.
1. Lessen television time
Kids are especially susceptible to television advertising. According to Psychology Today, young children don’t have the cognitive tools to differentiate commercials and television programs, and so are much easier to reel in. Kids are also less likely to be able to tell the difference between advertising and reality, so it’s only natural that your child would end up begging for a toy that she recently saw on TV. Better stick to on-demand programming or DVDs.
2. Stick to your guns
Your child has to understand that no means no. Giving in will only let your child know that whining works. Your Tango shared five phrases you can use to tell your child that the you mean what you say:
“Asked and answered.”
“I’m done discussing this.”
“This conversation is over.”
“Don’t bring it up again.”
“The decision has been made. If you ask again there will be a consequence.”
Statements like these let your child know that you’re in charge and that your decisions should be respected.
3. Only pay attention to polite requests
Sometimes, what your child is asking for is perfectly reasonable, but the way he’s asking for it is not. If your child is begging for more water, tell your child that they would need to ask politely before you entertain their request.
4. Give an allowance
According to BabyCenter, most parents start giving their child an allowance at around 5 or 6, while others wait until their kids are 10 or older. There is no “right time” to start giving your child an allowance, but when your child starts to understand that money can buy the things that they want, that means they are ready for an allowance. This teaches them to save and buy the things that they want for themselves.
5. Make a birthday list
If she really wants something, you can tell your child that she can wait until her birthday, Christmas, or similar holidays. That way, she can learn to be patient, and you don’t have to make any unplanned expenditures.
6. Find middle ground
If what your child is asking for is reasonable save for some conditions, you can bargain with him. If your child wants ice cream, for example, tell him to eat his vegetables. If he wants another toy but you think he has more than enough, tell him to give some of them away first.