My 3 1/2 Yr Old Won't Stop Whining.

Hey M., My 2.5 year old started that stuff up right about the time my little one was walking and sucking up more attention. I'd be willing to bet that's the root. I started using heavy eye contact and making him look at me when were talking. Also, labeling him my "special boy."I make sure he knows he's my special boy because he was my first.(2nd baby special cause he was my last!)I actually panicked and ran out and bought some books. My oldest started saying unkind things at inappropriate times. He saw shock value in them and ran with it. Eye contact, I know it doesn't seem like much but its full attention communication. Its hard for mommys to do as respect to their kids too :)I wasn't stopping to acknowlege and respect his feelings and it frustrated the hell out of him. anyway, Take Care ~ S.

Hi M.. I'm the homeschooling mom of 6 kids and I too have a 3 1/2 y.o. Mine doesn't whine so much but asks repeatedly even after I've told her I will do it or get it in a moment. The only thing that works with her is I tell her the more she asks, the longer it takes to get whatever she wants. My now 6 y.o. went through a serious whining stage (she still does at times) and I always responded by telling her when her voice could sound like mine then I would listen. Then I would ignore her until she used a normal tone of voice.

Homeschooling multiple children is difficult. I've found if I do "preschool" with the little ones before I start school work with the bigger kids, then they are less likely to interupt us. We sing and dance, read stories, play a game or work on some fine motor stuff (cutting, drawing, etc.), and have a snack (they fix it). Then the young kids are ready to play and the big kids have had some play time so they are ready to work. Hope this helps.

L.

I agree with having him stop and "use his words" or ask in a non-whining way. If all else fails try a spay bottle of water. Tell him you are going to help him remember to ask the right way or not have a fit, etc.

Hi M., Yep, that whining is pretty effective at getting mom's attention. I say one of these things
"talk in short words please" or "i'm not responding to whining. If you want something you need to use your short words" or "Bobby, when I want something, this is how I say it, 'can i have my sippy cup please?" Remember, say things that he CAN do, not just what he should stop doing. in dire times, i say, "if you want to whine, go into your room becuase that's your space and when you're ready, come out" Good luck, and this too shall pass :)

Had the same trouble with my daughter, Briyana would cry and make problem when I was homeschooling the other children. Till one day they were playing school, somethig they love.They let Briyana play. I saw how much fun she was having.After that day I started giving her art and other workbook that were for her age.She is now 12 and loves school.Good luck! D. P.

Is he potty trained?

Hi M.,
Is he getting enough sleep? My 2 1/2 yr old daughter will whine a lot when she is overtired. Is there a particular time he whines the most? I never had success with punishing Paige for whining, what works for us is to get down to her level and ask her to tell me what she wants without whining. If she continues to whine, I tell her that Mommy can't understand her when she whines. She usually wants some one on one attention from me so I try to accommodate or tell her that when I am finished doing whatever I'm doing (if it isn't something I can put down) I would be happy to do what she wants. I read in one of the parenting magazines to mimic them to show them that you don't understand what they are saying when they whine. Well, I tried it once with Paige and she got SO mad she tried to hit me! (and she isn't a physical child) So now I just talk very calmly to her and it usually works. Try to figure out why he is whining and come up with a solution. If he is overtired, try putting to bed at night a little earlier so he wakes up better rested. Good luck!
L.