In a Whining Phase

If you know my kids, you know that Brayden is a very COOL kid. There's just not one word to describe Brayden. He's fun and flirty, eyelashes, dimples, and the whole shebang. He's curious. He's BUSY.

I'm sad to say that lately, this is Brayden's normal:

Yes, I took this picture expressly for blog purposes.


It is driving me a little crazy. The whining! I can't STAND it. I admit that I would prefer a full-blown tantrum than days and days (weeks) of WHINING. I mean, really, is there anything more annoying than that high-pitched whine? (Except for perhaps a whining adult, but that's a different topic for another day.)

Usually when my kids whine, I say something along the lines of, "I'm sorry, I can't understand you when talk like that." Or, "Are you talking to me? Because I don't speak whine. Come back when you're ready to talk." If I used that tactic with Brayden right now, I'm pretty sure we would all together stop communicating because he is at about a 90/10 whine/normal ratio. Sometimes this whining is directly followed by the tantrum I mentioned above. I can deal with it. I just wish his tantrum was the period at the end of the sentence. I will also take this opportunity to admit that I attempted whining back at him, and he just looked at me like I had 5 heads.

I believe this is because of him not sleeping well. He is in a terrible sleep cycle. Refer to a post a few weeks ago. I am actually wondering if it is the gas trucks driving by early in the morning that is causing him to wake up so early. He has also recently discovered several stalling techniques at nap and bedtimes. I try to be firm about this, but what parent in their right mind is going to tell their child that no, they cannot get up to go potty...I'd rather have him out of bed for a few minutes than have to change the sheets. I have started getting him ready for nap/bed an hour before it's really time just so he is down at a decent time. He hasn't caught onto me yet.

Right now he is playing with blocks and watching Sesame Street. For the first time today, he's leaving me alone. I'm not exaggerating when I say that he followed me into the bathroom while I showered today. I feel a little guilty for admitting how relieved I am about this.

I know children go through many phases. I am ready for this whining/not enough sleep phase to end. I'm REALLY spoiled with exceptionally good children. Even on whiney days, he is full of "Yes, Mommy" and "I understand" It's just that he says it in that whiney voice. *shudder*

Disclaimer: I love my kid. Even when he is whining and testing my patience. How could you not love this: