Whiny/Crying 20 month old. ?

Question

My son is 20 months and knows simple words, dog, cat, car, milk, juice, etc. However he still insists on whining or "fake" crying to get picked up, or ask for more food. I know that this is normal but it's driving me crazy. I'd like to think that because he can say simple words he should be able to say, "up", "more", "please" Or something a long those line. I know I'm not the first to experience this and would like to know how can I help my son to "use his words" rather than whine?

Answer 1

My 2 1/2 year-old son used to whine like that.  We didn't give in to his whining demands, and made him say what he wants. If he didn't say it (and we knew he could), he wouldn't get milk, juice, or whatever he was whining for.  Finally, he figured out that he had to actually SAY IT to get it.  Good luck!

Answer 2

What I did with my boys was get down to their eye level, this makes it less intimidating, and I would say calmly "I need you to stop crying/whining so I can hear/understand what you need.  Use your words."

Be patient and consistent.  It will get better.

Answer 3

Well first of all, it is normal but you should get a head start on making sure he doesn't think he is going to get his way by whining. So when he whines tell him to use his words and repeat the word ''up' or 'more' until he at least try to say it. If he refuses, don't give him his way. Of course i'm not saying ignore him completely he is young and it may be semi- diffiuclt for him to learn many new words. But if he is saying all the words above this should be relativley easy. Good luck!

Answer 4

Everytime you give into him you are telling him it's ok to do it.  You have to constantly tell him what he should be saying in order to get a response from you.  If he doesn't, walk away and ignore him until he does.  Then when he does do the right thing make a huge huge deal out of it with clapping and praise and repeating to him what he did so right.  It's going to be rough at first but kids at that age learn by repetition.  The minute he starts to whine, cut him off immediately with a firm and strong, eye to eye, in your face "No!"  You can't be wishy washy with it.  He has to know there is a different tone in your voice and you mean business.  If you show frustration, he will see you are weak and feed on that too.  

Your challenge as a parent will be consistency.  Most parents give in because it's just too hard or tiresome and its just easier to give in.  But each time you give in, it's like starting all over again.  If you watch enough Nanny 911 you'll see what the end result will be.  Nip it now or it will just get worse later.  Remember, you are the parent and the more control you take now the better it will be later.  It really doesn't take long to break it if you stay consistent.