How do i teach my son not to nag?

Question

he is 3, and apart from the normal tantrums, he can nag on and on about something he wants ENDLESSLY, even after i've said yes. it drives me bananas! then i end up yelling at him. help!

Answer 1

It's not about teaching your son not to nag because whatever you do directly, he still will aim to get what he wants.  However, you can use a preventative approach by doing things that you know will prevent him from nagging, such as hiding distractors like toys or games, thus decreasing the likelihood that he will want everything at the same time and nag.  For instance, if your son sees his favorite candy or truck or toy sitting out in the open, he takes it, and then you say no, he will nag.  If you place those in a location that he does not have access to and give to him only during appropriate times, places, etc., he will learn that now he can play with the truck and toys, and when he gets bored of that and you put it away, he can then use the chalkboard to doodle, etc.  While doodling, he may see candy on the counter and cause him to nag..put it where he doesn't see it or can take it, and he won't ask for it or nag.  If you have it there for him and say no, then the nagging begins.

Set routines and goals.

Don't yell at him; talk to him so that he understands that talking is the acceptable means of communication.  If you yell, he will yell as well and will be accustomed to both of you yelling, thus, feeling that it is the common way to deal with things and get what you want.  Have conversations with him and explain why he can't have something or you want something from him.   Ask him how he feels and try to reach him halfway if possible.

This adivice is not to assume that you have things laid out for him and do this; I'm just suggesting it is a possibility for change if necessary.  I have to do this while babysitting my 3 year old nephew and 1 yr old niece because my cousin leaves everything out, and when I see those distractors, I put them away! Works wonders.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Decide straight away if it's something that you will allow and tell him yes or no - then stick to it. The first few times will be tough as he will keep on going on and on, but eventually he'll realise that no means no. As long as you always stick to your decision and don't say yes just to stop him.

Good luck, it's a tough one!

Answer 3

Take something he likes away from him. If he persists, take away more, when all his favorites are gone, put him in a corner, and a small swat to his diapered little rear may enforce your authority. You may have already been too lenient, and he needs to know his limits.

Answer 4

give him a backhand slap across the mozzy

Answer 5

Have you tried ignoring him? It may take a few times but just say "if you ask again, i'm not talking to you until you stop". He is just about old enough to grasp it. A lot of the lovely tantrum things kids do is for attention-whether good or bad! Good luck.

Answer 6

You have a blackboard in your kitchen like I do.  He gets a point up there for good behaviour then a warning for any bad behaviour before a point is removed.  20 points equals a treat.

Believe me, it works a treat.