How to Make the Whining Stop

Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting, and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"How can I handle my child constantly whining?"Whining - it’s like nails on a chalkboard for parents. Whether it’s the drawn-out “Moooooommm!” or the never-ending “But I don’t wannaaaa…,” it can be exhausting to deal with all day long. But here’s the good news: whining isn’t a forever thing, and you can break the habit!In this episode, Vanessa shares practical strategies to reduce whining while teaching your child how to communicate their needs in a more effective way. She explains why kids whine, how to set boundaries without power struggles, and what to do to make sure their needs are met before the whining even starts.TUNE IN TO LEARN:Why kids whine and what they’re actually trying to expressHow to respond in a way that doesn’t reinforce whiningSimple phrases to teach your child so they use their regular voiceHow to check for unmet needs that could be triggering whiningWhy consistency is key in breaking the whining habitTAKEAWAY MESSAGE:Whining isn’t personal, it’s a learned behavior. The more we give in, the more kids will use it. But by staying consistent, modeling calm communication, and giving them the tools to express their needs, we can teach them a better way to get their message across—without the ear-piercing tones.Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!Send us Fan MailSupport the showGRAB AN OFFER🎁 Free Resource: 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com/💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com/ABOUT MEI'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. I believe the people who give everything to everyone else deserve to stop surviving and start living intentionally.CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speakingDISCLAIMERFree to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed...