Whines Constantly-Is This Normal?!

my son is 10 months old and he's been doing the same thing. i can't leave a room w/o him freaking out. i have no idea why. the only thing i could come up with is that i was working full time and then I stayed home with him for about three months and i just started going back to work full time again. i think it may b/c he thinks i'm leaving him. have you started going to school or work or doing something out of the ordinary that causes you to leave her for longer than normal? that would be the only thing i could think of. good luck.

My absolutely wonderful 16 month old daughter went through this as well. In fact this last week was a "normal" week again. As hard as it has been we just ignored her when she whined and only responded or interacted when she didnt. It was a long 3 weeks (plus we took her binky away at the same time) but now she is back to her old self again. Good Luck

when my kiddos went through this stage it was either b/c they were tired and I need to adjust their nap/ sleep sched. or they were frustrated as their verbal skills were begining to develop more and they were not able to verbalize what they wanted. Try stopping what you are doing and get down on her level and look into her eyes and tell/explain to her that mommy knows that you are upset/frustrated...what can i do/get for you? or when you are fussing i don't understand you words try and tell me with you nice words what you want etc...
If they were fussing I DID NOT give into them until they asked nicely... "more please" No more thank you-- just real basic but in a nicer tone/voice. Try some Baby signing language too.
hope this helps-- good luck!

I don't know if it's normal, but it sure is common! If she's not sick or tired, and you havent had any major changes in her schedule or life, then she's just being a fussy kid. Most of them are like that at stages. I used to teach young elementary grades and those kids did that to me! And I wasnt their mom! By the end of the day, the bottom of my skirt had handprints on it from them poking at me and patting me to get my attention. Kids are like that.
Have you heard the expression "Terrible Twos"? It's a lie. They're just like that the whole time they're growing up =) Then they grow up, have their own kids, and whine on message boards about them like us. It's the circle of life. LOL
Good luck! It's hard. Sometimes you just have to come to terms that they're just going to be needy for a few months and not plan on getting as much done as usual. It's hard.

According to the Dr. Sears Discipline Book (which I just started reading), this is a normal phase that happens about this time. Hang in there!

Laura,
Sorry I dont have any pearls of wisdom for you but......at least you're not alone! My 17 month old daughter is doing the exact same thing. I know it's frustrating but the only comfort I can find is that it wont be forever and pretty soon we will be wishing our babies were still clinging to us saying "maameeee!" Good luck and it you get really frustrated, just walk away and lock yourself in a room if only for a minute.

Sounds exactly like my son around 17 months. He was the most delightful, easy-going child until then. He is still wonderful, but he just became SO attached to mommy. And whiny! Pretty much exactly what you are describing. He is 21 months now, and it has gotten lots better. From what I've read, they grow out of the attachment thing, and for the whining, I really try to ignore it and not give in to whatever he's asking for until he stops the whining. Granted, it's not always easy to ignore, since we are programmed to respond to their every whimper, but that seems to work the best. If I don't respond to the whining, he tries something a little more pleasing eventually to get my attention. So, yes, it's 100% normal, and no, it will not last forever. Good luck & God bless!

I am going through the same thing with my 16 month old son. He usually is such a wonderful child, but lately will not even let us leave the room. I am hoping it is a stage because it does get exhausting at times.

It sounds like she is testing her boundaries. This is where power struggles usually begin. You really have to find out what works best for both of you as far as letting her know that you are the one in control. Just remember not to let it consume all your energy and to take time for yourself. And also make sure that your and your husband cooperate with each other on the best ways to discipline and guide her through this phase she is in. Try not to give in to her too much, but try and handle her in a loving yet consistent way.

I used to teach preschool. I have taught every age from birth thru 13 yrs.

Does she talk well? She may be trying to "talk" to you and can't find the words.

If she does talk well, or if she at least understands some, you might try my famous phrase: "I'm sorry, I don't know what waaah (fill in whatever sound she is using at the time) means. You need to use your words." If she is unable to verbalize what she needs/wants yet, you may need to have her point at things.

I agree that it does not stop. But it will get easier.

Good luck,
P. <><

My twins are two and still do this from time to time. It really helped like another poster said to teach them a sign of some sort and get them to say "help please" or at least try to say it. One of mine will WHINE and I say "use words please. I can't hear you like that." and look away. It works and she usually stops and does her sign and says "help please". I just have to remind her to "reel it in" as I say and calm down to tell me what she is trying to say.

Hang in there...it can be so tough at times! :)

I have a 18 mo girl in my home day care does the same thing. Boys are easier. Normal. G. W

I hate to say it but...it's normal! I know it stinks but this too shall pass. I agree with the other poster who said if you get to your wit's end go lock yourself in your room. I often find the bathroom works the best! Good luck and hang in there!!

yep, we are there too. our son started it around 18 months and is now 22 months old. he got a real kick out of me whining back at him today. he grabs me or holds his arms up and says maaamaaa huuuug. he wants to be held ALL day long. I take alot of time to pick him up, cuddle and play throughout the day but he wants to be carried 24/7 which is not gonna happen. he thought it was hilarious to hear me whine huuuug and chase him and tug on him constantly. we are trying to tell him we can't understand or hear him when he whines and to use his words. hopefully over time this will help. it is so frustrating.

Normal???? Heck ya! I have six kids, and though I would like to tell you they grow out of it, well....I can't...because I'm still waiting for that to happen even with my oldest.

I CAN tell you that even though I haven't seen them grow out of it...the whine does change! :) LOL!

Has anything happened lately in her life to make her insecure or scared, re-assure her have a special time of day where you two read or play a game, and then if you don't know of any reason for the whine, tell her if she wants someting she has to use her good voice, as if she uses her whine voice she can't have it. Rewrd her with a hug etc. when she talks normal , and suggest to her that oops you are using your whiny voice when she does again. If she clings tell her at a set time(seta timer) that you will sit down with her and maybe rock her,but right now she can't cling. And then follow through. I JUST RE-READ YOUR LETTER, AND I THINK MY ADVICE IS FOR AN OLDER CHILD, YOURS IS TOO YOUNG TO BE ABLE TO DO WHAT I SAID, MAYBE SOME WILL HELP, BUT SOME DIS-REGARD AS IT IS FOR AN OLDER CHILD. SOMETIMES AROUND THIS AGE THEY JUST GO THROUGH A STAGE, AND IT DOESN'T LAST LONG. GOOD LUCK IT WILL PASS.

At that age, yes, it's normal. I'm guessing she is mobile - possibly walking - but not yet very verbal? It makes it such a frustrating age. They know what you're saying, and know what they want to say back, but they just can't figure out how to say it yet. That age seems to turn normally happy kids into whiny, upset kids. But the good news is, it passes!

Sounds like one of many stages of clinginess that she will go through. My son will be 5 next week and we still go through these stages every so often.