How do you stop a 2 year old from whining?

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Amanda H

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I have a 2 year old that whines for no reason at all. I mean literally he can be full, fresh diaper, toys, movie and you can be in the room playing with him and he whines. Its even worse when he doesn't get his way. Its a very annoying high pitched whine and please don't say Ferber because in my living situation I cant do that. I live with the in laws and they cant stand the whining either. I'm at my whits end because I stay up most of the night with my 7 month old because I cant let her soothe herself for the same reason. Help me please

A frustrated mother.
 
I had the same problem and I really thought I would lose my mind. Then it hit me! Every time my child began the whining I left her. I removed myself from her after telling her I am not listening to it. It was very difficult. I told her she will get what she wants when she stops whining and talks to me and not a second sooner. No matter where we were, when she started the whining, I ignored her. I just told her to stop the whining and I will listen. I also whined back at her in as irritating a voice as I could do. It stopped within 2 days. When my grandson started whining, I told him I don't listen if he whines and walked away from him. He got the message quickly and stopped. I hope this works for you because I know how awful it is. Good luck!
 
(from what my mother tells me -it worked on us)

Whatever you do DO NOT reinforce the negative behavior. If he is whining, don't give him something nice to make him stop whining. That shows him that if he whines, he'll get something good out of it for him.

Essentially, you build up good behavior and punish bad. Sounds simpler than it is, i know. What seems to work best amongst my mom's group of friends (all mothers) is to put the child in an isolated place BY HIM SELF. Do not sit and baby him through his time out. Let him sit and whine and show him that his whining is not affecting you and that he's only punishing himself by continueing. When he has "served his time" (of whatever you see fit...3min...5min..your call). He can come out. If he is behaving himself well after his punishment, reward his good behavior.

Obviously, you can't reason with a 2 year old and they don't understand WHY the whining is bad. You have to break it down to as simple as possible so that he will understand. Good behavior= treats, toys, your praises, etc.. Bad behavior = time out, NO toys, NO treats, none of your praise... I think you get the general idea.

Just be strong and be the parent. If your child sees that he can bend you to his will, rest assured he absolutely will do just that.
 
i've been told to ignore it when they find out they dont get anything out of it they will stop , they know how to get what they want if whining works they do it. you have to stick to it or it wont work. i know easier said than done. i have 3 kids 13, 10, and 2
 
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