Whining and Children at Bedtime by January Jones

 Smiley and Whineys come in all Sizes!

Thou Shalt Not Whine...The Eleventh Commandment

by January Jones

Chapter 2

Whine #1 Going to Bed

"Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed."

               Robert Gallagher

Whine A: Do I have to?

Why: This is the number one thing that children of all ages whine about. it is their universal reason to whine,something they all do. Nobody wants the party to end, and children will usually let you know this in their most irritating, annoying, whining voice, hoping to get their way while driving you crazy. From the time they are toddlers, they know that bedtime is the worst time of day for them. Likewise, they know it is the best time for parents, which makes it even more tempting for them to whine, thus besmirching any quietude said parents may carve out for themselves. Unfortunately, it is simply not in children's nature to want to sleep. It is only when they become teenagers that they crave sleep, and then only in the morning.

Whine B: Can't I stay up a little longer?

Cure: I have had a lot of luck with the "Because I said so!" cure when accompanied by the "look" that only a loving mother can give when she is exhausted. The best way to stop the whining, though, is to make a game of bedtime with songs, stories and lots of love. A visit from the tickle bug is fun for them and you too, even if they do think they're" too old for it." Remember to comfort them with a small nightlight and their favorite stuffed animals - and don't forget the blankie or binkie!

Excerpted:

Thou Shalt Not Whine...The Eleventh Commandment by January Jones

Beaufort Books September 2008