How did you encourage DC to express what he/she wants?

futureMrsV

DS is currently still whining when he wants something and we are trying some different methods to try to open up his communication a little. He has many words and talks all the time---ALL THE TIME, LOL--- but when it comes to actually wanting something he is still whining sometimes. We do not encourage it and it doesn't make us move any faster or else he'll see it as a good form of communication. We'd like to start encouraging him to tell us what he wants in a different way. We've gotten him to point to his cup or plate or a few other things from time to time and DH and I are always telling and showing him our feelings and emotions in a bigger, animated manner. Just wondered if anyone else had used a different technique or idea we could try. Thank you!

mrsmikey

sign language

JulieandBen

If Jack would whine, I'd say 'hold on bubs. Do you want some milk?' or whatever else I thought he might want.

Pesky

I simply say puzzled "I don't understand whining -- use your big girl voice."  I don't think she quite gets it but she will often repeat it more firmly and less whiney so mission accomplished.  I also sometimes coach her -- "I don't understand you when you whine.  What were you asking for?  Were you asking for water?  Okay, you need to say please."  Just depends on what works and how near the edge I think she is (i.e. I don't push her to repeat a request when I sense she is about to lose it anyway).

mrshutch

Ditto to Pesky- it sounds like I use a lot of the same language w/ DD. She has a number of words down, but still will whine, and when I say "Use your words" she just says "peeese" (please). Sometimes I truly don't understand what she's looking at, so I tell her I don't understand and then start asking. I don't mind asking if she wants water, milk, etc. because then she repeats the word and I figure she's getting practice that way.

I've shown her sign language since she was a newborn, but other than "more" she has no interest. Hang in there- it gets better in the coming months. DD may still be whining, but it's way better than 16/17 months. 

Graciesue

I'm interested in your responses. I have the same challenge.

jessicaclare

We often tell her to "use her words". If she's whining by the fridge I will say 'Mommy doesn't know what you want. Please use your words to tell me". She didn't totally get it at first, so I'd prompt and say "Do you want cheese?" and then she'd usually respond "Cheese" or "milk" or whatever. Now if I say "Use your words", she will say something or point. Like anything at that age, its just a lot of repetition.