Happy Face, Happy Voice

Whining.  We all do it from time to time, whether you're a child, mature adult, or my dog at 4 in the morning.  For kids, whining comes naturally in unfavorable situations, or even just when they're tired and cranky.  How many times have the words "stop whining!"  come out of your mouth?  Probably quite a few if you're a parent, teacher, or anyone else who spends time with children on a regular basis.

But that phrase may fall upon deaf ears after awhile, so how about a new way to help nip this bad habit in the bud?  That was the strategy for one of my consult clients, who requested a custom-written song about using a "happy face and happy voice" instead of whining.



When you are unhappy and feeling blue,
There are just a few things that you need to do.
Just listen up, and you'll be fine,
As long as you don't whine.

First you need to find your happy face,
Then you need to find your happy voice.
When you talk without a whine,
And smile, you shine.
You're making the right choice!

Simple and to the point. It's amazing how such basic songs can be so effective, as long as the message is clear. What other bad habits might be addressed through a song like this?