If there is a single trait almost all toddlers have in common, it is that knack to whine to get what they want. Parents and elders, unwilling to put up with too much noise, not to mention the accompanying psychological stress, from constant whining, almost always end up giving in to a toddler’s every wish.
Why do children whine? Parents must understand that whining is a normal part of toddler development, because this is when toddlers develop more sophisticated sensory and mental abilities, allowing them to develop personal preferences. Aside from that, they can already talk, too–and therefore express these developing wants verbally through whining.
Although the toddler tendencies are normal, the act of giving in to toddler’s whines is a wholly different matter, because parents will ultimately decide whether to give in or not. Whatever decision they make makes its mark on the toddler. A drawback to this is, when the time comes your toddler can very well articulate his or her demands, he or she might already be used to getting her own way of things that compromises become unacceptable already.
This toddler behavior, however, is completely preventable and manageable. Patience, naturally, is key to getting past this toddler behavior. Add to that the thought that, as in any other part of toddler development, whining will stop as the child grows older. Because toddlers are toddlers, parents can ultimately prevail through effective, clever diversion tactics. Toddler behavior at this point is very exploratory and observant, so parents will do well to take advantage! If your toddler whines because he or she wants to go outdoors, you can simply try turning on the television and looking for his or her favorite channel or play their favorite movies. Remember, a toddler’s attention often wanders, never stopping long enough at something to dwell on it seriously.
Parents must also be able to easily understand the reasons behind such toddler behavior. Is it hunger, attention, etc? If you think your toddler is hungry, try offering food to him or her. If it doesn’t work, that’s when you try looking for diversions, or inventing them, to appease your whining child. Toys offer excellent diversion in these situations, as do television programs and other visually appealing material. Other activities, such as playing outdoors, may also be excellent alternatives to a whining child’s impossible demands.
The key to this is not to take demands from such toddler behavior too literally so you don’t end up giving every single wish of your whining toddler. Discriminate against petty and reasonable demands from children, and work effectively to make compromises that will, ultimately, make your whining child such toddler behavior.
