Articles from GBE Friends

In a day care environment a chorus of multiple whiners can seriously challenge your sanity and we all know how draining and irritating a whining child can be. The constant, ongoing, nerve grating torture that is a whiny child is much harder to handle than a full blown, short lived tantrum. Don't despair, you can restore an atmosphere of peace and serenity by implementing the following methods thus dealing with your offending whinemaster.

Hunger, tiredness, boredom and feeling unwell are factors that can precipitate whining sessions. Attempting to identify if any of these are the triggers can help minimize the whinefest. Unfortunately, whining is a very unattractive trait that, if left to it's own devices, can become a method of communicating which may last for many years. Though there is no sure fire way of curing whining there are methods you can use to help prevent outbreaks.

Attracting adult attention can often be the reason a child whines usually as a last resort. The whine is the final result of their escalating attempts to gain recognition. Adults, we have the power to acknowledge the little ones. You can often preempt the annoying behavior by simply listening to what kids are trying to say. Get down to their level and find out what's going on. Sometimes a little face time, perhaps doing some quiet activity is all it takes. Peaceful times can often be achieved via a little constructive attention.

Children need to learn the difference between various tones of voice and discovering how whining sounds is no different. Explain to the child that a whiny voice is not pleasant, that people don't like it and they stop listening. Help them to understand the negative effect of that sound by involving them in role play or tape recording the whiny voice versus the normal voice. Listening to themselves as a third party can be effective in helping them understand why whining is bad. Remember to praise the use of a normal voice when appropriate.

A child will whine when she is unable to express herself. Try to recognise when this is the case and instead of reprimanding try to help the child verbalize their needs. Help her with the verbage so she is encouraged to tell you what is wrong. Discussing feelings and needs means the child has less reason to whine. The realisation that talking about her issues is more productive than whining will result from your positive attention.

Distraction is a great tool when a child is whining. Completely switching the subject and animatedly pointing out something unique and fun can stop the whines dead in their tracks. 'Did you see that squirrel out there?' Also, recognise when a kid is heading towards boredomsville...a bored child is a whiney child. Anticipate tedium and introduce a fun and absorbing activity. A busy child won't have time to contemplate whining.

A child seeking recognition recognises any attention as a success so don't do negative attention. Try not to shout. Never label a child a whiner - this is not a standard or expectation you want to set for them. Never capitulate and remain calm. Giving in after 20 minutes of incessant whining sends a message to the child that persisting with this behavior pays off. They must realise that only a normal voice elicits a positive response. It's tough but stay the course and you could have a positively serene enviornment.

ChildCareOnly.com is the brainchild of Fiona Lohrenz who has 10 years experience running a day care. Fiona has also produced a 'Start a ChildCare Business' DVD: Start A Childcare Business DVD. Fiona can be found at her website: ChildCareOnly.com