Kids Whining and Healthy Eating  

Your little angels can turn into head-spinning monsters when they crave their fat fix. James U. McNeal, author of Kids as Customers, has identified seven whining strategies they use. Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., author of Emotionally Intelligent Parenting, provides the snappy aisle-nine comebacks that just might save their lives. Or at least their waistbands.

Pleading, Persistent Whine

"Please, Dad, puh-LEEEEZE!" or "I'm gonna ask one more time."

Dad comeback: First rule of whine response: Always stay calm in public. Elias suggests saying, "You can ask me 1,000 more times and my answer will be the same. Be sure to keep count. When you get there, ask me again and I'll tell you the same thing."

Forceful Whine

"I've got to have it!" or "I'm gonna ask Mom!"

Dad comeback: Never debate in front of the whiner; parents should present a united front even if you disagree, says Elias. If the kid has already executed the end-around, say, "It may be okay this time, but Mom and I will be talking about this, and it may not be okay next time."

Threatening Whine

"If you don't buy that for me, I'm not gonna move until you do!"

Dad comeback: Self-control is key here. Elias suggests taking away privileges: "If you're not moving in 2 minutes, there will be no Xbox for 2 days." The more they stay put, the more privileges lost and for longer.

Sugar-Coated Whine

"Ple-e-ease? You're the best daddy in the whole world!"

Dad comeback: "Quite right, son. It's because I care about you so much. And that's why I won't let you do anything that's harmful to your health."

Emotionally Threatening Whine

"I'll hate you forever!"

Dad comeback: You are not giving in because you care, and because you care, you cannot give in. Stay firm and never debate. A little guilt never hurt, either: "I wish you didn't hate me, because I love you."

Pity Whine

"But everyone will tease me if I don't drink Harry Potter Coke!"

Dad comeback: Go ahead and sympathize, then bring down the iron hand. And turn it into a lesson about how to handle being teased. If the kid can stand up to the needling, the teaser will pick a different target.

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