Help with a Whiny 16 Month Old!

Try carrying him around in a sling so that he is close to you but you can still do things.

Is he whining and crying for you or is he unable to communicate? I suggest teaching some sign language to help him to communicate if that is the case. It sounds like you spend time with him so it isn't most likely because of that. I would suggest you encourage him to play on his own and let him know that you will give him love but it is important to play also (a balance).

Ahhh yes, ALMOST toddlers. My son is still doing it at almost 18 months. I'm guessing it's because they can barely talk and are frustrated they can't communicate they way they would like. I really don't know what to tell you. It's just another faze that will have to pass... :-)

If he is whining for absolutely no none reason he's not wet, tired, hungary, thirsty, or need something than I have a special chair in our house that he goes to sit in and can get up when he's done. As soon as he realizes no one is falling all over him because he is whining he stops and gets up and will come over and play with us. My 21 month old does it all the time he will whine for no reason during the middle of playing with him so thats what we do. It works he usually stops whining with in a matter of seconds of sitting in the chair. This gets him to relax, calm down, and return to playing. Depending on how much speech he has he may whine to get something that he can't express yet but I have found at this age some whine just to whine just like some kids will bang their head on something just for attention.

At this age, it's common for kids to have an increase in separation anxiety. Do you think that is why he is crying and whining for you? My daughter knew a few very, very helpful signs at this age (eat, play, more, all done). Whenever she whined, I would tell her that I couldn't understand her when she whines and to use her words or signs. You have to be consistent, but it cuts down on the whining. I found the separation anxiety decreased around 20 months or so - my daughter started becoming a little more independent and could occupy herself (and I could go to the bathroom with the door shut. LOL!).

I highly recommend some sign language. My 18 mo old knows 'more' 'all done' 'eat' 'tired' and it does a world of good. Of course, she still whines and cries sometimes. I find re directing her attention helps and sometimes ignoring them also helps. I think, if you give in to them all the time they continue to whine to get what they want.
good luck