Constant Fussing/ Crying

I suggest never giving in and always explaining to him why he should "use his words" instead of whining/crying. My daughter is 2 1/2 and she recently went through a phase like this so I feel for you - I think it's just the age. I've found that the best thing to end it is to be consistent and never give in just to stop the whining. Believe me, I know it can be very trying but in the long run, you'll be happier :)

How's his communication? You didn't say if he's a big talker. I'd suggest teaching him words to communicate his wants and see if new words help. Then after he uses all the new words explain why you have to wait for x. And how you remember being little and it was hard then too. So you do understand, but he's part of the family. And family's work together.
Good luck, A. H

I haven't read any of the other responses. But if this were on my plate I would not allow it.
THis is what I would do. First explain to him briefly, "___________, over then next few weeks we are going to practice being patient and taking turns, and if you whine or cry, you will go to your bed until you are happy."

So... what you do is when something hits his button. You immediately stop what you are doing and teach him an appropriate response. For example, sister is cuddling with you and he want to too. You say, right now it is sister's turn, if you want a turn you say, "mom, when sister is done may I have a turn cuddling?" If he cries, pick him up and put him in his bed (hopefully he is still in a crib, if not put him in time out somewhere, if he gets out put him right back. if that goes on where he is not staying - confine him to a high chair - a crib is a better choice in my opinion.)
Then you tell him, "WHen you are happy, i will listen for you and I will come and get you out." Then do what you said. Once he is quiet and seems calm (could be a long time but that is okay - it will be a good lesson he will not want to revisit) go get him and ask him why he was in there. Have him ask you the kind way to cuddle with you. Then cuddle.

The second he whines, teach him an appropriate response even if it is disapointment that is okay. We all get disapointed but we need to know how to act and how to talk to others through it.
After about a week of TRAINING him to say the positive thing, and he is still whining. I wouldn't say anything to him the moment he whines just pick him up and put him in his bed. And tell him you'll be back when you hear he is "happy." Or you can have him tell you when he is happy. Stick to it, be very consistant at it for a few days and I am telling you he will be living in his bed and won't have any other option but to improve his communication skills.
Also remember he has only been on the planet for 3 years. You need to train him and teach him every detail.
If you have any questions I would be happy to help. I hope this does help.

time outs.. might help.

my daughter was terrible at 2 much better at 3.

Hi C.. I also am a mom to two y/o twin girls. I really thinks it's the age. My one daughter is constantly taking toys away from my other daughter when she has no intrest in the toy to begin with. I always take it away from her and give it back to the other daughter. When they do whine because they want their way I ignore it and tell them they need to use their words. It's VERY tuff, but I believe it has to get better and it's just a stage. Terrible Two's!!

Don't give in! 2 year olds are so stubborn and have a one track mind for getting their way. If he learns that crying will get him his way he will not give up on the crying until he gets what he wants. Over time the crying will escalate more quickly to the point where you normally give in. When you give in he has the hope that the strategy worked once it will work again!

I KNOW it's hard to listen to and is frustrating but it helps to keep the long term goal in mind vs. the quick fix of giving them what they want so they stop. Think that over time you are teaching them that whining and crying does the opposite of get their way - they lose things or get time outs.

I have a 10 and 8 year old so these days are behind me now (thankfully). I wish you luck!

Hi,
I feel you, I'm right there with you. My daughter turned 2, a few weeks ago. In my house it gets worse if she's tired. It seems she cries because of all the days tension, but that's my kid. I read someplace 2 is cranky, boy is it. My child is a bit behind in language, so that does not help. I don't know where your son is, I think it gets better when language improves. Sometimes I ignore,sometimes I pretend to cry too and sometimes I tickle,sometimes I laugh to myself, because it is so terrible 2, sometimes they work and sometimes she just cries.
I do believe it will get better, it has to.
L.

I have three and five year old boys. If they cry to get their own way they do not get what they want. They have to ask appropriately, if your son can just say please without crying and screaming that would be enough at this age. If they carry on screaming they are put in time out until they stop. This means listening to a lot of screaming for maybe a couple of weeks until he gets the idea that you do not give in to his screaming. The main thing is to be consistent with him. I usually give my kids one warning to stop crying and use their words, and then the second warning is when I start counting. They know if they don't stop before I get to the count of five they're going to their rooms. Your son may be a little young to be sent to his room, depending where in the house it is, but he can be given a time out in a allocated chair/area.
Two is the hardest age and they can drive you crazy in a matter of minutes sometimes but just try to be consistent in whatever you do.
Good luck and hang in there, it does get easier. ;)