A child with a negative, complaining attitude can wear down even the best moms. Authors Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller offer some hope for moms trying to stop the complaining, in their book, Good and Angry.
Getting your child to express herself in healthy ways involves helping her identify what she’s feeling, and then teaching her how to choose words carefully when she is frustrated or making demands.
Mom: Gracie, it’s time to clean up your toys.
Gracie: I caaaan’t! (Throwing herself on the floor) It’s too much for me to do, Mom! I don’t want to!
Mom: OK, I know you’re tired, and you can tell me how you feel, but you need to speak respectfully. Even if you’re tired or upset, try to stay calm.
Try to identify where some of your child’s bad attitudes are coming from. For example, one father noticed his son’s frustration worsened after playing video games. After limiting the child’s computer time, he saw an improvement in attitude. Perhaps your child is mimicking the behavior of someone else — a parent, sibling, friend or even TV character — who complains or criticizes.
Point Out Attitudes
Turansky and Miller say, “Identifying a thinking error that needs to change may be a new revelation for children who are stuck in a bad attitude. They may be responding to a situation only on an emotional level. You can offer the insight of an objective outsider.”
For example, if your child had a bad day at school but then takes it out on his brother, he may be overwhelmed emotionally and needs help in how to properly handle those emotions. Target more than the behavior, look deeper to see what’s causing the trouble.
If your child is complaining about doing his chores or homework, offer him motivation to change his attitude.
Mom: Son, how’s your homework coming?
Son: It stinks. Why do I have to do it anyway?
Mom: Listen, that attitude will just make your work harder. You know that a lot of your grade comes from homework. You want to do well and your Dad and I want you to do well. So, try to change your attitude.
You can do it. How about this. Work hard for the next hour, and then you can take a break. We’ll get you some ice cream.
Hopefully, the real reward of accomplishing something, will be what motivates a change in attitude.
If your child automatically responds to discipline or disappointment with whining or complaining, then teach him how to properly react. For example, a child’s appropriate response to not getting to stay up late might be, “Maybe next time” or simply, “OK.” Tell your children to obey first, and then you’ll listen to what they have to say. Another important lesson is teaching a child to ask for something using “please” instead of demanding what he wants.
When you notice your child making improvements, praise him and let him know you’re proud.
Mom: Jake, you did a great job cleaning your room. I can’t believe you did it all so quickly. I’m going to tell your Dad about it.
Even if you are tempted, refrain from comments such as, “It’s about time!” Instead, encourage him in his progress and keep the focus positive.
Turansky and Miller summarize dealing with a complaining child with this: “Attitudes are windows into a child’s heart. If you help your children learn to adjust attitudes, they will have the skills necessary to develop healthy perspectives about life’s challenges and struggles as they get older.”