come from his frustration in finding the right words to tell you what he needs. stop what you’re doing, pay attention to him, and ask him what he needs. help him find the right words to tell you what it is, and praise him for telling you clearly. respond by giving him what he needs. if he whines again, look at him, and say “tell me in words.” again, help him find the right words to express his needs. as he learns the words to express his needs, his whining may be reduced.
what about a three- or four-year-old who whines? this may be a habit left over from the time 