Sometimes, your toddler crying and whinging is simply a sign of a gloomier mood; this could be caused by many things, hunger, tiredness or illness. You should do as much as possible to encourage a more positive attitude in your toddler, giving praise when your child is in a good mood and attempt a calm refusal until your toddler starts to realise they are more likely to get what they want when they ask properly in a reasonable tone. If your child is unable to talk yet then you may need to distract their attention with another activity when the whingeing starts.

Why do toddlers start crying and whinging?

Toddlers can cry or whinge for a great deal of reasons;

• Fears - sudden shock, the dark, a nightmare, insects etc
• Anxiety - if your toddler has been separated from you, or put in a new environment
• Attention - Maybe your toddler is just wanting to spend more time with you
• Frustration - Not been able to achieve a challenge your toddler has set themselves
• Cuts and bruises - genuine pain, realising how easily they can be hurt

Your child could also be hungry, overtired or rebelling against bedtime - or they may just want to have their own way and demonstrate their independence.

Toddlers - crying and whinging

Whinging is one type of behaviour guaranteed to unite parents as they struggle to combat "I want, I want." It can be appealing to give in and accept your child's demands for a bit of peace and quiet, but this is a huge mistake as it will only make the behaviour worse.

Obviously you can't just give in every time your toddler wants something, but it does help to explain why not "you can't watch the telly now, it will soon be time for bed" or "no you can't have sweets just yet, your dinner will be ready soon"

Occasionally when your toddler says "I want" what they really want is some attention. Try offering a cuddle, some praise or just a few minutes of your time to read them a story, in some cases they will probably be quite happy to go off and play again and have forgotten all about what it was they wanted.

Don't give in to your child's demands, this will only show them it's the best way of getting their own way.

Look at the obvious causes first, such as tiredness, hunger or just boredom.

Deal with a situation quickly, if your child asks for something they can't have tell them so, don't leave them asking until they start crying and whinging.

Give lots of positive attention even for the little things. Praise them when they ask nicely or behave well, so often these things are overlooked just because they're expected.

Toddlers have short attention spans; keep them busy with things that interest them.

Sometimes it helps to mimic them to show them how silly they can sound; this can result in your child laughing. DO NOT DO THIS IF IT MAKES THEM ANGRY.

If you know you will end up giving in, then its better to do so straight away, if you try to hold out then this will just teach your child the longer they whine the more chance they have of getting their own way.

1. Toddlers
2. Typical Behaviour in a toddler
3. Toilet Training a toddler
4. from toddlers to Terrible 2's and 3's
5. Toddler Tantrums
6. Strange Behaviour in toddlers
7. Toddlers with Sleep Problems
8. Sibling Rivalry
9. Saying No! to toddlers
10. Learning To Love Themselves
11. Gifted children
12. Toddlers Discipline
13. Toddler Development Stages