You've just asked or told your child to do something he doesn't want to do.  he looks at you with angry eyes and says, "Its not fair!"  Or your daughter wants to do something and you won't let her do it.  She gets huffy and says in a loud voice, "That's not fair!"

How do you respond?  CALMLY.

You do NOT want to get into an argument or discussion defending your position to your child.  After all, you ARE the parent; you have a right to be in charge; especially when you're dealing with young children and those acting like young children.  Children who say this to their parenbts are merely working at manipulating the situation so they get their way.

I suggest looking at your child calmly and quietly saying noithing else except, "I know."  If your child continues to explain why this is upsetting, you continue saying, "I ...   more »

You notice your child is whining about most everything.  Nothing seems to appease him or her.  You find yourself becoming irritated by the behavior.  Walk up to your child gently touch his ir her shoulder and gently say, "Thanks for letting me know you're tired.  I think it's time for you to go to your room and lie down for a rest for 30 minutes.  Then, when you get up, I bet you won't be so whining."  Then you can calmly walk the child to the bed.  if arguing begins, simply say, "I love you too much to argue."   more »

Positive Parenting Techniques

·        Your child may not be big enough and strong enough to go shopping with you at this time.  If not, do some practice drills by having the child go into a store with you without asking for anything. The child has to do this successfully four times before you attempt to take him into the store again.

·        If your child frequently whines or complains, is she sleepy or hungry?  Usually, when a nap or snack is offered, the child’s behavior will improve.

·        If you child frequently complains when you ask him to do something, tell him ahead of time, you’re going to be asking him to do something and you know he won’t like it so you want him to make sure he complains really loudly when you ask.  Ask him to do something and if he complains ...   more »

The Behavior

·        You’re shopping at a store with your child.  She wants you to buy her a toy or something else she desires and you answer no.  She begins to whine and complain.

1.  Other kids’ parents buy them toys/clothes.  I’ll be the 

     only kid who doesn’t have one.”

2.  “You never buy me anything that I like!”

·        You ask your child to turn off the television or computer game and get ready for dinner. The child responds by complaining and/or whining to you.

1.  “I can’t quit now!  I’m almost done and its taken me

     this long to get here.”

2.  “Mom, my favorite TV show is on.  It’ll be over in a

     few more minutes.  I just have to see it!”

·        You tell your child it’s time to do ...   more »