How Can I communicate with a Whining Child?! (Ep. 004)

We’ve all had a whining child before. And no, it’s not fun.

Their high-pitched voices droning on and on and the incessant pleas can really wear you thin. And so many times we want to discount our children for speaking this way, but what are some other ways we can approach whining?

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Extremely Good Parenting Podcast EP. 004 Show Notes

This is a 10-15 minute “Surviving Parenthood Episode” to bridge the communication gap with kids.

• 1:07 My Extremely Good of the week
• 3:05 What really is communication?
• 6:25 Why looking eye-to-eye is important
• 9:15 Detailed explanation of learning styles in communication.
• Communicating through your child’s learning style
• Tips for communicating to toddlers

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Listen to the episode to get even more than what’s listed below. 

Listen, don’t distance yourself.

Many times when our kids whine, we push back. But so much of the time what they need the most is to be pulled close. So take the time to listen to their words, putting emotion and vocal inflection aside. What words are they using and how can you work through this with them in the moment?

Stop, turn yourself towards them and choose eye-level.

Isn’t it the picture-perfect definition of a child whining to a parent the one where mom is talking on the phone while cooking dinner with her toddler at her heels whining and begging while she continues with her routine?

Stop!

For a moment just connect eyes with our child and many times it will change the demeanor they use with you and the voice in which they use to communicate.

Rephrase what you’re already saying

When your child doesn’t have the right words, maybe you can provide new insight by what you say. In fact, when asking questions and learning to communicate better with your kids, figure out how they elarn best.

Apply their learning styles, find ways to say it that sound slightly different, and even “rephrase” by change your inflection.

It’s amazing what you can get out of a child when you pour into them in certain ways or when you mix it up.

Read more about communicating with your young child.