Behavior Makeover: Whining
In This Article: | |
Sue, a mother of three from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
"I can't stand his tone. It's worse than nails scraping on a chalkboard."
"Once she starts, I know she'll keep it up until I give in."
"She's only four, but her begging is driving me crazy!"
Whining that pitiful, loud, grating sound is one of the most irritating of kid behaviors. The pitch is an exasperating blend of crying and nagging that's as annoying as a dentist's drill. If that's not enough, whiners have an amazing ability to stretch syllables so they almost slap you back in your face: "Pleeeeeeease" or "Daaaaad!" What's more, whining can quickly turn into a full-blown, ugly tantrum. Although whining usually peaks at around four years of age, it can continue well into the school years. There's some good news though: whining is learned, so the behavior can be unlearned. And the sooner you start your kid's behavior makeover, the less likely it will become an annoying, troublesome habit.
More on: Behavior and Discipline
From No More Misbehavin' by Michele Borba, Ed.D. Copyright © 2003 by Michele Borba. All rights reserved. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Buy the book at www.amazon.com.




