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. A substantial reduction in the whine concert can occur when you identify if any of the above are triggers. 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. While there is no definitive cure for whining here are some tips to help prevent many incidents.
Oftentimes a child can begin the whine process as a final, desperate attempt to attract attention. They are demanding adult recognition via this annoying method as a last resort. This is your chance to ‘lend your ear’. Listening to what kids are trying to say can often head off the irritating behavior. So, no matter how busy you are stop what you are doing, get down to their level and acknowledge the child. If necessary, spend some one on one time helping with a puzzle or reading a story. Sometimes simply paying constructive attention to these little individuals can lead to peaceful times.
Children need to learn the difference between various tones of voice and discovering how whining sounds is no different. They need to be taught that people don’t like, and won’t listen to a whiny voice because it is not pleasant. 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. Allowing a child to hear himself may help him grasp the idea that whining isn’t so hot. Remember to praise the use of a normal voice when appropriate.
An inability to express herself will cause a child to whine. Try to recognise when this is the case and instead of reprimanding try to help the child verbalize their needs. Encourage the child to tell you what is wrong, what she needs and help her with the words. Discussing feelings and needs means the child has less reason to whine. This positive attention will help her to understand that talking about her issues is a lot more productive than whining.
Distraction is a great tool when a child is whining. The whines can be silenced by completely switching the subject and animatedly indicating something fun. ‘Did you see that squirrel out there?’ A bored child is a whiney child so recognise the signs of a kid on the road to boredom city. Anticipate tedium and introduce a fun and absorbing activity. The whining option won’t be considered when a child is busy.
Don’t do negative attention because a child seeking recognition recognises any attention as a good thing. Try not to shout. You don’t want to set negative standards or expectations so don’t label a child as a whiner. Never capitulate and remain calm. You are the adult and must remain in control regardless of your quickly vanishing sanity. The last thing you want is for the child to break you and to realise that persistence pays off. They must realise that only a normal voice elicits a positive response. Peace and tranquillity is possible just hang in there.
Her daycare business of 10 years qualifies Fiona Lohrenz to write childcare articles on her website plus produce a ‘Start a ChildCare Business’ DVD guide: Start A Day Care Business DVD You can find out more at: ChildCareOnly.com
- Fiona Lohrenz
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