Curbing Complaining Kids...it really worked!

[kristytru]

We travel with DS14 and DD11. I have a family of complainers. My son is our biggest offender due to added issues of ADD, OCD, etc.
On our last trip, we created "The Eeyore Award". I bought a small plush clip on Eeyore at the park. His 4 legs are magnetized so he can be attached to purse straps, etc. Whenever someone said something negative or complained, they had to wear Eeyore.
He was clipped to hat brims, fanny pack straps, shirt pockets, etc. Eeyore stayed with that person until someone else "earned" him.
I was surprised at how well it worked and realized that sometimes we don't even realize how many times we complain until it is pointed out to us. I was very surprised how well it worked with kids this old too! Just being awarded Eeyore usually brought a smile and a mood change. Even worked on DH and, yes, even me.
I highly recommend it to keep your vacation positive!

 

[fers31]

I like that idea, thanks for sharing it.

 

[yellownovawife]

great idea!I am off insearch of a similar item!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

That's very creative. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[rosiep]

I love it!!!! Thanks for sharing.

 

[js]

Great idea! But I know for my ever complaining 11 year old ds, he would just spend the whole time complaining he had Eeyore attached to him.
He is complaining as I type that there isn't any good Halloween candy left (hello, he is the one that eats it ).
He doesn't have any medical issues, just a big complainer. My dd-almost 16, never complains but my ds does enough for the whole family.

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

My kids recently came back from a hiking trip with their youth group. They had smiley stickers on their shirts - "I helped carry the water jug" and things like that. My daughter also had a silly frowny face saying "I complained"! They were proud of all of their stickers. Mind you, they are 13 years old - not little kids! So even silly "complainer" stickers could do the trick! I think it's a great idea to turn a whine into a laugh!

 

[offtoseemickey]

That's a lovely idea!
I'll remember that one!

 

[benolathe]

Very cute and creative idea. TFS. This idea would work in lots of different situations.

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

Love it!! Very funny idea!!

 

[Goofy's Mom]

GD is now 9 and dec will be her 7th trip to WDW She has grown up knowing there is no complaining or whinning at WDW or the trip north will start never have had any problems with her she knows the rules for a trip to the world

 

[quantumottle]

Great idea! But I know for my ever complaining 11 year old ds, he would just spend the whole time complaining he had Eeyore attached to him.
He is complaining as I type that there isn't any good Halloween candy left (hello, he is the one that eats it ).
He doesn't have any medical issues, just a big complainer. My dd-almost 16, never complains but my ds does enough for the whole family.

Oh sheeesh, quit complaing...

I'm just kidding, sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[BelleRocks]

Great ideas! I have a complainer, DD10.

Does anyone have any experience if they grow out of it? I worry that she will become a miserable complaining adult!

 

[js]

Oh sheeesh, quit complaing...

I'm just kidding, sorry, I couldn't resist.

LOL, I guess I was complaining about his complaining.
It honestly bothers the poop out of me!

Thanks for the chuckle.

 

[indimom]

I'm more worried about the bickering than the whining. My kids can't seem to get along for more than 30 seconds at a time. VERY ANNOYING! I told them if they bicker on the trip, we'll just leave them in the room together and go to the parks without them since this is hubby and I's anniversary celebration. They both replied, "We don't fight on vacation. You know that." I thought about it and, know what, they were right???? Of course, that just proves MY point, that they CAN get along...

 

[karliebug]

I did this with my kids for arguing but it would also work for complainers. Each kid got a roll of quarters to start. Everytinme they fought (or complained) they have to pay you back a quarter. Whatever is left they get to spend as they wish at the arcade or where ever. This was a big treat for my kids because we never go to arcades. After losing a couple of quarters each they really got the point.

 

[mainegal]

We travel with DS14 and DD11. I have a family of complainers. My son is our biggest offender due to added issues of ADD, OCD, etc.
On our last trip, we created "The Eeyore Award". I bought a small plush clip on Eeyore at the park. His 4 legs are magnetized so he can be attached to purse straps, etc. Whenever someone said something negative or complained, they had to wear Eeyore.
He was clipped to hat brims, fanny pack straps, shirt pockets, etc. Eeyore stayed with that person until someone else "earned" him.
I was surprised at how well it worked and realized that sometimes we don't even realize how many times we complain until it is pointed out to us. I was very surprised how well it worked with kids this old too! Just being awarded Eeyore usually brought a smile and a mood change. Even worked on DH and, yes, even me.
I highly recommend it to keep your vacation positive!

Fabulous idea!
Can I clip Eeyores on other kids in the park?

 

[KelleyGirl]

I love this idea!

My kids have been to Disney enough times that I think they think it is okay to be a whiner. I have to remind them how lucky they are! But then I'm a whiner!

I'm going to use this or some variation, that's for sure!

 

[Derby4me]

John from the podcast actually mentioned this thread during the show. Great tip!

 

[VMKAddictTrueTrue]

John from the podcast actually mentioned this thread during the show. Great tip!

on the 18th or 25th?