That Whiny Noise

The whiny noise that can come out of any of my children, at any given time, can be one of the most grating sounds the world has to offer; up there with chalk on a blackboard or pulling apart Styrofoam (the latter may just be my issue). I say one, but it can come in many different forms or in many frequences, each one as distinct as the next. Any can appear as if out of nowhere, like a magician that just appears in front of you, as if out of nowhere.

As much as I find it irritating, my wife really hates it. It’s particularly an issue when we’re in the car, where she struggles to concentrate when one or both of the terrible twosome is screeching, and I’m tasked with figuring out what the issue is from the front seat. They often end up with their face in a screen (if it hadn’t been already) or with crumbs in the car seat, after I’ve given them an extra snack or two.

There are many different reasons for it, the most popular being that we simply haven’t allowed them to have what they want, nay, need, at any given time. It could be over anything from denying them a cheese string to us refusing a park visit in the pouring down rain; either of which can garner a similar yet very different reaction. Then there are the times when little sister takes something off big sister or vice versa, although the former happens much more often than the latter (which is strange, because when my little girl wants something from her parents, she’s like a dog with a bone).

They may be tired, they may be hungry (mum goes into a mood when she needs food, too); or it could just be that the day ends in ‘y.’ Every morning brings a range of sounds as I try to get my littlest girl out of bed (none of them positive), whilst I will find myself deafened if my little girl’s YouTube video is accidentally turned off. On a similar note, if my psychic powers do not stretch to picking the correct TV program (maybe for the youngest girl), squawking will ensue; but, ultimately, it is often just because they are bored (and no amount of household toys can help).

It’s logical to think that the strength of the whine would depend on the seriousness of the issue, but it doesn’t in the slightest. I’ve heard louder screams coming as a result of not being given access to a further snack than when they’ve actually hurt themselves, or over something really serious (like not being permitted to enter the garden while it’s hailing!). Many times, too, it’s just not needed; words are all that’s needed or they already have what they desire (they just need to open their eyes).

All in all, that whiny noise sometimes makes me want them to grow up that bit quicker. I wonder when it will all end and when they’ll become pleasant, respectable members of society. We’re six years in with my little girl, and still have our hands over our ears on a daily basis. It’s especially frustrating when I’m upstairs working and I hear two (sometimes three) girls yelling from downstairs.