Keeping kids from whining in the parks

[Bird-Mom]

This does get their attention. My last vacation with the two nephews was at the beach. Apparently the two year old is deaf and only understands a pop on the leg. Now I didn't hand these out for no reason. It was mostly when he would not get out from under our feet when we were cooking. If you popped him he would look at you with tears in his big hazel eyes and say you hurt me. So pitiful. Didn't work with me. I would just say yeah and if you don't get out of the kitchen I am going to hurt you again.

I'm sure glad you are not my children's aunt. The parents are responsible for discipline. If my sister ever hit my children, there would be heck to pay.

Kids are kids and they will whine. The best thing to do is head it off before it starts. They will be overwhelmed, hot, tired, hungry, thirsty, etc. and none of that is reason to hit them.

Rather than taking money away (or whatever reward you choose-just going off the Disney dollar idea), give them the opportunity to earn the reward. Challenge them where you know they are weak. If they are antsy standing in line, one morning (or hour, whatever works) earns $1. If they can't sit still for a meal, one meal of perfect behaviour earns $1.

 

[zurgswife]

Duck Tape????

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I can certainly understand how you don't want to hear whining but that's what kids do. Trust me- I have 3! I hate to be the one to put a damper on this but I have to say this. I would be extremely mad if my SIL or DS decided they were going to punish or reward my children (ie discipline). It they were watching my kids for me then of course I would expect them to use a punishment that we agreed on but if they thought they were going to discipline them while I was there we would be having a big problem. Their behavior is my responsibility- nobody else's. I also am not a fan of conditional gifts. Meaning- either give the kids the disney dollars or don't. They shouldn't have to do any certain thing for them. That's what parents are for. Now if they do something really nice and you feel like telling them how great they are and maybe give them a special treat then by all means that's great. It makes them feel good and positive reinforcement is wonderful for kids. I am sorry if this is offensive as I don't mean it that way at all. I hope you have a wonderful whine free trip.

 

[seashoreCM]

WHen you take kids to Disney you become a parent or guardian first and a conventioneer or Disney guest or yourself second.

Do short practice trips with your nephews ahead of time, for example to the beach or the shopping mall. This way you can see if they are going to spoil "your" vacation before you book airplane tickets etc. for them. If your brother or sister has not taken the time and effort to wean them off of their whining ways then don't take them to Disney.

>>> chewing candy and lollipops

Now the acid test!

Do a practice, real practice, "trip" with them overnight at (your) home. Can you brush their teeth (or get them to) with no whining AND NO BLEEDING (GUMS)?