to add some non-conflict training that can help a young child realize they do not have to fuss.
At a time you’ve set aside, talk to the children about fussing. Ask them to show you what fussing looks and sounds like. Point out to them that they tend to lower their head, stick out their lip, speak in a high pitch and mumble. Instruct them to now lift their chin up, smile, lower the tone and speak slowly and clearly. Help with each step that seems difficult. Use yourself as an example for them to follow.Explain that this is how you want them to speak to you, not fussing.
Next, show them they have control over these factors by practicing different voice exercises. First, have your child speak quietly then loudly, quickly then slowly, in a high voice and then a low, with head tilted down and then with chin up, and with a frown and then a smile. Feel free to give them silly things to say, it is not what they are saying we are practicing, it is how they say it.
After the above practice, introduce some role playing. Ask the
children when they tend to fuss and why? If they can’t think of this, be prepared with an idea yourself. Then role play those situations with the new found skills they have learned. During this practice remember to explain, show and practice as needed.
In real time when fussing happens, I still like apple cider vinegar, but to say, “chin up, no fussing” and allowing the child to try again would be another option.