If none of these are available, just turn to the nearest whiny child. No parent would claim to be a fan of whining. After all, it's embarrassing to have your child's ear-piercing whines echo through the grocery store. Fortunately, the parenting pros I spoke with can offer help to ear-weary moms and dads. They can achieve this sense of belonging by contributing to the family.
Toddlers are eager to help mom and dad with chores like washing the dishes.
But busy parents often deny them this opportunity. All that's left for them to feel significant and to find a place of belonging is through power and attention getting. Okay, okay, we'll order you some chicken. If you behave, we'll have some ice cream when we get home. Yes, it's easy to see how the first two responses reward the child for whining.