Whining is high on the list of childhood behaviors that are really, really obnoxious to parents. Some kids have developed this strategy into an art, and there are a few youngsters who deserve academy awards for their performances! Many parents dread saying "No" to their kids—or not giving the children what they want—simply because of the threat of the whining that will result. As aggravating as whining is, it can be managed. That management starts with a good understanding of where these behaviors come from, and then the use of a calm, decisive and consistent strategy.