Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. ~Proverb
There are few things worse than a young child who whines. Whether it is an attention-getting tactic or a habit that needs to be broken, there are (phew) some ways to successfully nip whining in the bud:
Some children do not realize they are whining, so it is important to point it out to them in the midst of their behavior. Simply telling them that they are whining is a good start. If you do this often, they will start to be cognizant of their behavior and it will be easier to change it.
Nothing makes my daughter giggle more than when I mimic her whining. Of course, I greatly exaggerate it and sometimes even slump to the floor or say something silly. She quickly gets the picture that whining is not going to get her anywhere, and it has the added benefit of making her laugh.
Do you speak Whine? We speak English in my house, and I point that out to my daughter as well. It is helpful to encourage children to use their normal voices. Responding to them when they whine only shows them that Mom and Dad will give them what they want if they act out, whereas asking them to pause, calm down, and speak in a normal range of voice helps them communicate better.
It may take a few months for your child to stop whining, especially if it has become a habit. As always, praise your child for choosing not to whine. A little bit of positivity goes a long way.
