Whining

How do you stay sane in the face of incessant toddler whining? My girls are 21 months old and the constant whining is driving me around the twist. They both have very good verbal skills so i dont think its frustration over not being understood, more that they are very independent little souls who know exactly what they want. I do remove child or myself from the situation when it gets too much and there is no resolution but I feel like I'm constantly doing this and being grumpy mummy. Coping mechanisms much appreciated cos my standbys of coffee, chocolate and wine aren't cutting it any more ;)

Keen for ideas too..
I do make sure I let her know I can't understand her because of her whining. When she is ready to tell/ask me properly I am there to listen. And make sure I am. But doesn't stop her doing it...

Oh yes, we do that - can be a mission to make myself heard over the whining that mummy will listen if you talk properly ;)

Interested Sewell DS 27 months is so frustrating when it comes to whining:. Drives me loopy.

Google: "Linda Knost - Why Whining is a Win". Still hard to hear it, but the article gives a nice perspective on why whining is developmentally appropriate.