How to Stop a Whining Child: Pro Tips from a Pediatrician

Has your little treasure turned into a toddler who doesn’t seem to be able to ask for something in a normal way? Is the high-pitched voice of your four-year-old akin to nails scraping on a chalkboard? You might be wondering what on earth you can do to stop a whining child.

You’re not alone. We’ve been there too — more times than we can recount. Nearly every parent has been in that position at some point. It can be irritating and frustrating. And once the vicious circle starts, it can be hard to break.

We’ve dug deep into this issue and will share what we’ve learned and the tips that helped us stop our children’s whining for good.

Why Is My Toddler Whining?

This stage in your little one’s development can be a challenge for both you and your child. They can’t yet talk and communicate properly using language. You need to be like Sherlock Holmes when trying to find out what is wrong and what they want.

It’s typical for a child to have six or more single words by 18 months of age and 50 or more by 24 months. Most 2-year-olds can say a good number of two-word phrases as well. The ability to say complete sentences and have brief conversations often does not develop until age 3; even then, only 70% of speech is intelligible. Because of this inability to communicate what they would like to say, toddlers can quickly become frustrated. Here is more on age-appropriate speech milestones.

Being patient and helping your child to communicate are essential when understanding what triggers their whining. This can help you recognize and remove the things that set them off and better enable you to deal with it.

It’s a Whole New World

Your toddler is learning a little independence, and when all is good in their world, they are happy and content. This can change instantly when things don’t quite go according to their plan.

It’s like a square peg fitting in a round hole. They know it’s not working but can’t figure out why.

Maybe they’re trying to get some clothes on their newest doll and putting the arms into the legs of the romper suit. The clothes won’t go on, and it’s not working out the way they expect. Or they could be trying to build a tower out of blocks that keeps falling over.

The expectations your toddler has are not quite working out the way their mind wants them to. This can lead to anger, frustration, confusion, and temper tantrums. Next comes the all-encompassing whining.

In addition to what parents tell me occurs at home, in the car, at stores, etc., I often witness such outbursts during office visits. Coupled with stranger anxiety and the fear of getting a vaccine, the toddler cries or screams throughout much of the visit. Those with more advanced speech skills tend to be calmer and attempt to communicate with me while being examined.

Editor's Note:

Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP

Dealing with Their Frustration

It’s normal for a child to fail at something when they start playing on their own, and sometimes they’ll figure it out alone. But there are times when the frustration becomes too much, and they whine because they can’t do it.

It could be the toys that they’re playing with are just a little too advanced for them at this stage in their young lives. If that’s the case, remove these toys for a while and replace them with something more age-appropriate.

Replace the wooden blocks that fall over easily with larger ones that interlock. Their fine motor skills will still be tested, but they won’t get agitated. Replace the doll that has the awkward romper suit with one that just has a velcro diaper.

Once they master the simpler skills, reintroduce the toys at a later stage, maybe a few weeks after. It’s also a good idea to do this when your toddler is not tired or hungry. They’re likely to be more patient when other things aren’t distracting them, and they’re well-rested with a full tummy.

If the whining does start again, why not spend some time helping your child achieve what they’re trying to do? Alternately, switch activities to outdoor play or reading together to calm them again.

The following AAP article offers additional advice and explanations of toddler behaviors.

What Happens When You Can’t Eliminate the Cause of Their Frustration?

There will be times when things are out of your hands, and you won’t be able to resolve the cause of your child’s complaints. You could be sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office when your child gets bored and starts whining.

This is when you need to console them and empathize with how they’re feeling. Tell them you accept that they are bored, and tell them you don’t want to be there either. Explain the importance of why you’re there and why it’s necessary.

This will teach your child that there are times when we all have to do things we don’t want to.

Teaching a toddler to adjust to the realities of life can be tough. We can’t, and shouldn’t, always give them what they want. The trick is to meet their needs without jumping through hoops.

Don’t cave in just because they demand a certain type of cookie. You might offer them a peanut butter cookie and they start whining because they want a chocolate chip cookie instead. Don’t give in. Be sympathetic toward them, and explain there are times when we don’t have choices.

Parents are often frustrated about tantrums or outbursts that occur in public places. I frequently hear them express embarrassment when their child drops to the floor and screams in a store or restaurant. My usual advice is for a parent or responsible adult to take the child back to the car until the tantrum has resolved. The child is able to express their frustration, and the parent avoids unpleasant looks and comments from those witnessing the episode. Once the child is calm again, the store or restaurant visit can resume.

Editor's Note:

Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP

Alternatives to Speech

Until now, your little one has communicated that they need something by crying. Whether it was comfort, food, or a diaper change, it’s what you responded to. They haven’t learned to talk yet, and whining is the next best step as far as they’re concerned.

Talk to your toddler frequently, giving them a chance to develop speech. Sign language and pointing are often good places to start.

When you use a word for a particular item, work out a sign for it and use it as you say the word. This type of communication might be easier for them to adopt in the short term and prevent some whining when they want something ⁽¹⁾.

Teaching them “yes” and “no” are also beneficial. To do this, you can nod or shake your head.

When you offer something, ask them if they want it. The response might be a loud whine or a big smile. Depending on what it is, back this up.

For example, when offering your toddler a drink, ask them if they want it. If it’s obvious they don’t, then tell them “no drink.” If they do, then tell them, “Yes. Drink.” Shake or nod your head accordingly as you say the negative or affirmative answer.

This can lead to you just being able to ask “yes or no” questions to get an appropriate response. You can eventually ask your toddler to tell you “yes” or “no,” instead of whining.

In clinical practice, I have seen the ability to communicate “no” by shaking the head as young as 9 months old. One very surprising but funny case of this was during my discussion of a flu vaccine for a 1-year-old. He had not vocalized much throughout the entire office visit, only crying when I examined his ears and mouth. After I explained the vaccine details to his parents, I asked if they would like him to get the flu vaccine. Before the parents could answer, this very intuitive toddler shook his head “no.”

Editor's Note:

Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP

Don’t Let Your Toddler Make Whining the Norm

Toddlers are constantly learning during their transition from being a baby to a child. It will be trial and error on their part as to what works.

Set the boundaries, and don’t give in to your toddler when they’re whining. If you do, they’ll think this is acceptable behavior whenever they want something.

It will be a tough call sometimes, but keep working on their communication skills. Try to prevent whining whenever you can by giving your child age-appropriate toys. This will reduce the chances of frustration.

The other thing you need to do is watch your own reactions to whining. Yes, it’s annoying and grating, but don’t capitulate just because it’s getting to you ⁽²⁾.

Why Is My Child Whining?

Once your toddler gets a little older and learns to talk, the lines of communication get easier. It doesn’t mean they won’t whine when they want something or don’t want to do something, but it will start to wane. Whining tends to peak between the ages of two and four years – the “terrible twos,” “troublesome threes,” and “fretful fours.”

While it’s a natural reaction to become annoyed and frustrated, shouting at a child to stop whining is not the best way to deal with it. Patience, empathy, and compassion will get you better long-term results.

Your child is gaining more independence now and will test the boundaries even more. Some of the reasons your child might whine include the following ⁽³⁾:

• They want your attention: It’s back to the crying and response from being a baby. Your child might be tired, hungry, thirsty, or need a diaper change. They know that whining might be the fastest way to get your attention and a reaction.
• They want some one-on-one time: Your child might want you to take some time for them, playing, reading, or doing some other activity. They might want a cuddle and some comfort.
• They’re reacting to you: Negativity and conflict in your home can result in a whining child. Your stress levels and emotions can rub off on your child.
• They’re expressing their emotions: Whining could be a way your child is letting you know they’re disappointed or sad. They want your support, acceptance, and acknowledgment of their feelings. They might be feeling overwhelmed and need you to calm them down.
• It’s their temperament: Some children are feistier and have stronger personalities than others. They might be sensitive and react adversely to change. Whining could be their way of coping with changing experiences as they develop.
• You aren’t giving constant reinforcement: If you give in to a child every now and again when they whine for something, they learn this works. They whine to go to bed later or want candy after a meal, and you let them have it. If you or another caregiver allows this, they’ll likely do it again when they want something. Consistency is extremely important to have among all of a child’s caregivers. This includes parents, extended relatives, babysitters, and nannies. If not, a child quickly picks up on different expectations from one caregiver to another, which can lead to confusion, whining, or tantrums. Having consistent rules prevents the child from becoming frustrated or anxious and helps maintain a sense of calm.

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What Can You Do to Break the Cycle?

There are a few steps you can take to help stop an older child from whining. The main thing is to stay calm and smile; don’t let your child see the whining is getting to you. If this means taking a deep breath before dealing with your child, then do so.

Tell Them Your Ears Don’t Work When They Whine

One way of getting your child to ask nicely instead of whining is telling them you can’t hear them when they whine. Smile at them, tell them your ears don’t work properly when they whine, and ask them to use their big kid voice ⁽⁴⁾.

If your child continues to whine, try again, and remember that smile. Tell them you know they’re talking to you and saying something, but your ears still aren’t working. Again, ask them to use their big kid voice.

When the child speaks without whining, be positive, thank them, and tell them you can hear them now. Explain that your ears don’t like the whiny voice and are happy when they use their nice voice.

If the behavior continues, turn away while your child carries on whining, and ignore them until they speak without whining.

This could lead to a situation where they start crying. If so, explain that you want to hear what they’re saying, but your ears need help. When your child makes an effort to improve the way they’re communicating, give them positive reinforcement.

This method can slowly improve their behavior. In the early stages, it can be worth rewarding them somehow when they react positively.

It’s essential that all caregivers follow the same method to reinforce good habits. The more consistent you are, the quicker you’ll see positive results.

Other Tips for Dealing with a Whining Child

Here are some other tricks you can try to help stop your child’s whining:

• When your child is calm and quiet, let them know that when they whine, you won’t respond to their request until they ask nicely.
• Make sure they understand the difference between a whiney voice and a nice voice. Maybe record both, and play it back to them so they recognize the difference.
• Positively reinforce the use of their nice voice. Praise them for asking without whining.
• It helps to establish whether there’s a legitimate reason for their upset, especially if they’re whining and not talking. If there is, eliminate it and carry on. Think about when they last went to the toilet, slept, ate, or had a drink.
• Don’t cave in while they’re whining. Wait until they’re calm before giving them the toy, candy, or whatever they want.
• Avoid yelling at your child or showing you can’t cope.

FAQs

At What Age Should a Child Stop Whining?

Children typically begin to whine less as they develop better language skills and emotional regulation around age four or five. However, the exact age can vary, and occasional whining might continue into later childhood, especially when tired, hungry, or stressed.

Do Kids With Autism Whine a Lot?

Children with autism might whine or express themselves in unique ways due to challenges with communication and sensory processing.

It’s not that they whine more, but they might use whining as a form of communication if they find it effective or if they’re unable to express their needs in other ways.

Do Kids With ADHD Whine a Lot?

Children with ADHD might exhibit whining behavior, especially if they’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unable to focus. Whining can sometimes be a response to the challenges they face with impulse control and attention.

Is Whining a Learned Behavior?

Whining can be a learned behavior, especially if children find that it effectively gets them attention or what they want. Consistent responses from caregivers can either reinforce or help diminish the behavior over time.

Why Do Toddlers Whine More Around Their Parents?

Toddlers may whine more around their parents as a sign of comfort and security. They know their parents are more likely to respond to their needs and may feel more comfortable expressing frustration or fatigue in a familiar environment.

Why Do I Get Angry When My Child Whines?

Many parents feel angry or frustrated when their child whines because the high pitch and persistence of the sound can be grating. It’s also common to feel upset if it seems like whining is manipulative or if you’re unsure how to effectively address the behavior.