Whining - Gilbert, AZ

Wow, that's a lot of kids!! Maybe it's your 7yr olds way of getting a little "extra" attention. It must be extremely hard to split yourself into 7 diff't ppl cause you really do have 7 diff't personalities that you're dealing with here... It's probably easier said than done but maybe some one on one time would help?

Try it when you are doing something he enjoys. Warning: If I hear any whining, that person will not be allowed to (ride a quad/ go camping with us/ play games with us). Then follow through - be consistent. At home, do as you are doing, except you don't have to say, "I don't hear you." He is old enough to know that you can hear him and that he is getting your attention if you say that. Just completely ignore him until he speaks in a normal tone.

ask the older kids what they'd do . did you try taking away tv, computer time , no camping or riding quads?whining about? what like toys things that he wants don't want , likes or dislikes. show him he has to earn what he wants and that everybody don't have the finer things in life by volunteering at a homeless shelter. st. vincent depaul is always looking for more help.maybe not enough rest. to busy schedule, not enough attention? maybe thats his way of seperating himself from the other kids and getting extra attention, they say that negative attention is better then no attention at all in kids eyes. or maybe just a phase. hope i helped.

I HIGHLY recommend taking Love and Logic classes. Here are the list of classes the local Love and Logic instructor is teaching: http://www.keriparentcoach.com/447486.html Tell her T. sent you. You can also call the Love and Logic company at 800-588-5644 to get the contact info for people who teach classes in your area (I just called and a real person answered right away and was very helpful). I also went to a local Proactive Parenting seminar and enjoyed it. check out www.proactiveparenting.net

The Love and Logic approach is all about tough love--being firm and consistent in letting children suffer the natural (logical) consequences of their actions, while doing so in a very gentle and loving way, having true empathy in your heart. My mom parented this way, and I really appreciate my upbringing. I feel she was a very effective and loving parent who helped prepare us for the real world. She chose her battles carefully, and said her biggest goal was for us to feel loved by her.

You can also check out some Love and Logic materials at the local library for free or buy them at www.loveandlogic.com. Here are some I recommend: a seminar on DVD "Painless Parenting for the Preschool Years," the book "Parenting with Love and Logic." They also have some great CDs full of wonderful advice and real-life applications that you can listen to in the car while driving.

L.~
Wow...Congratulations on your family!
We have 6 children...you've got us beat! Haha.
I think I would have to agree with spending a bit of one-on-one time with your 7yo.
I have an 8yo & a 5yo that do the same thing. And I find that when changing things up a bit doesn't seem to work with my dealings with their whining...it just means I need to schedule some personal time with them.
BEST to you & yours!
~D.

I don't know if you mentioned how long it has been going on but I had 3 things come to mind. 1. Hang in there. I am told breaking through hard times gets worse before they get better. 2. Instruct that child to go to their room to whine and come out when they can communicate kindly. 3. Perhaps it is a way of getting attention they are craving. Just a few thoughts. I wish you success.