Summary of Answers and Suggestions for the "Whinies" (wasn't that a SNL skit?) Thank you to everyone who responded to our post! I have compiled a list since I got so many responses and it seems to be a pretty common problem.

First determine the causes

• Are they sick?
• Is this a phase?
• Are they teething?
• Is it boredom?
• Are they getting enough sleep?
• Are you the parent stressed out? (I think in our case the kids were feeling our stress)

Solutions

• Remember "This too shall pass" (Thank you; this is one we need to keep us sane)
• Keep them VERY busy
• Tire them out so they take longer naps
• Make sure they are not hungry or thirsty - small snacks during the day
• Consistent nap times/routines
• Rotation of toys, so they don't get bored
• Things to explore
• Ignore the whine/get ear plugs (she was kidding about the earplugs, but sometimes....)
• Distract, distract, distract
• Sometimes it is hard to get the kids to stop once they have started. Get them to take a deep breath and blow it out, and then try again. This seems to help relax the throat and make it easier for them to use a nicer voice.
• Our son John whines a lot. (It doesn't help that his voice is kind of soft and high, anyway.) We taught him to use his "John" voice (regular) when he started whining.

More Specific Suggestions/Distraction-Exploring Techniques

• Water, water, water
• Take them outside to play
• Look them eye to eye and explain that you can't understand what they are asking for, to stop whining so you can understand
• Work with them on how to ask for things, then plenty of praise and hugs
• When they want something and don't like your response then repeat your answer and ignore or distract them
• Find a play group, part-time day care, local group with volunteers, or a babysitter to give parent a break
• Music
• Music videos or age appropriate videos (Wiggles, Barney, Kiki's Flying delivery service, were a few mentioned)
• Hide some favorite toys to bring out in "emergencies" (they noted to be sure the kids don't see where you hide them)
• Box of multicolored uncooked pasta noodles
• Let them help water the plants or lawn
• Ice cubes in a cup
• Band-Aids/stickers on arms or legs
• Use a massager on legs and feet
• Take them to a park or indoor play area
• Kiddie pool or baby pool
• Climbing cube
• Musical toys
• Pull toys
• Boxes with lots of little drawers
• Go to a big field/park and let them chase a ball
• Peek-a-boo or sing songs
• Dry beans in a kiddie pool (be sure they are a size they can't choke on)
• Did I mention taking them outside?????
• Did I mention water???? Bathtub or kiddie pool

I hope these help some of you other parents with whiney kids!!

Amy