3y5m old dd turns into the whinge monster from Hell

[WigWamBam]

My daughter has turned overnight from a lovely natured (most of the time anyway) child into a complete and total whingebag. She whines and whinges all day, and bursts into tears at the drop of a hat. I know it's normal for a child this age, but how do I cope with the perpetual whining and crying? Is there any way to distract her or stop this behaviour? We've tried ignoring it, but it just gets louder and more whiny and I think my head is going to explode!

I try the diversion tactic when possible. ie whinges for sweets, try to divert with a book or a game etc. DS is 4 & is usually only like this when tired

my dd is exactly the same xxxxxx

No advice but whinging is a thousand times worse than straightforward crying!

aaaaaaaaaaargggh that sodding whingeing. Know it well. I am much like Sobernow about it; aim to be good mummy, fail dramatically.

Three year olds are enchanting, infuriating, and mad as snakes.

Quite right MI. I can cope with the crying and even the full blown tantrums - ignoring works a treat - but this bl**dy whining is going to send me mad. Madder even than a snake . I just don't know how to cope without yelling at her, which of course is hugely entertaining for her.

I have one, too.

MI - you've summed up my life! Only advice is wait till she's 4. Ds is SLOWLY getting out of it - we just pretend not to hear him till he stops whinging, and then he manages in a normal voice 'Please may I...'

I keep reciting "It's a phase...This too will pass..."
But not entirely sure that I will ever have a 4 year-old son...

I'll be in an asylum by the time she's 4 if she carries on at this rate!

My DS was three last week. Literally in the last few days he has developed whinge-ing into an art form (together with tears for no reason and hideous pointless temper tantrums). I CAN'T WAIT A WHOLE YEAR FOR IT TO GET BETTER AAAARRRGGGHHHH

no advice - just empathy - I have one too. What is the evloutionary advantage of driving your parents mad when you are only 3 ???

I have 1.75 year old twins - I think I am going to emigrate and leave them here when they get to this stage - or maybe take up residence in the local loony bin - they can visit me when they are in a good mood .

When dd is in a good mood she's lovely. Just recently though her mood swings are worse than mine with PMT! I've only got to look at her the wrong way and she's off. I think emigrating is the only answer, Throckenholt! Although at least with the loony bin we'd get free meals ...