Whine Busters

If you have a toddler or preschooler at home, you know how whining can be irritating and maddening to a parent. So here are some suggestions to help you with your kid's whining:

> Find out what's wrong. Could the whining be brought about by physical discomfort? Maybe the child is tired, hungry or sick.

> Acknowledge the times he speaks appropriately. When a child asks in the appropriate manner, make sure to respond to him as soon as possible.

> Anticipate the problem. Knowing the circumstances which your child whines can help you pre-empt its occurence.

> Stop the whine as soon as it begins. Make sure your child knows that whining will get him nowhere and that you may actually give in to him if he talks calmly.

> Demonstrate a better way. Help the child identify his feelings by putting into words what he wants.

> Don't respond. Sometimes, the best reaction is no reaction.

> Calm yourself down.