Here's why your toddler may cry and whine occasionally - plus some tactics to help you keep your cool.
If your toddler whines and cries a lot, do all you can to give positive attention to non-whiny behaviour and practise calm refusals until she communicates in a reasonable tone.
If she can't talk well yet, you may need to distract her with another activity when the whining starts.
It's tempting to give in to demands for a bit of peace, but this is a mistake as it'll only make the behaviour worse.
Don't reward whining by giving your child what she wants - this only teaches her that it's the best method of getting her own way. Deal with obvious causes you can sort out, such as tiredness, hunger and boredom. Give plenty of positive attention when your child asks nicely or behaves well. Respond quickly when your child asks for something, even if your response is no. Don't wait until she moans. Keep toddlers busy with interesting toys and activities. If you know you'll end up giving in, it's better to do so right away - "Yes, I'll get you sweets today" or "Yes, you can have a video now." Waiting teaches your child that the longer she whines, the greater her chance of success.
You can't give in to everything your toddler wants, and it always helps to explain why. Try saying, "You can't have sweets now because lunch'll be ready in a minute" or "You can't watch a video now as it'll soon be bedtime".
Often, "I want" is really a sign of wanting attention. A cuddle, a bit of praise or a few minutes spent sitting on your lap or reading a book may be enough, after which your child will probably be happy to go off and play again.