Struggling with whining -week two

The saga continues...

I have noticed a difference in the whining. It is still getting to me and I am still feeling frustrated to almost angry as soon as the whining begins. (I am praying this feeling goes away soon!)
But I have noticed a few things.

Nashville's whining occurs usually and always when he is tired or hungry. Whining also occurs when I have a busy day and have not played with or given enough attention. He likes to reserve most of his whining for me, not dad.

Having this in mind made me hyper aware to give enough hugs, naps and food in the day.

Sometimes this cannot be avoided. His older brother wakes him up earlier than Nash is ready for. He has a hard time being woken up, the whining usually lasts for over an hour if this happens. On these mornings I have to dig down way deep to find new patience and use all my strength to stay calm and rational. I will often make sure we have MORE time than we need for transitions. For instance I would allow him to sit on my lap on the couch for about a half an hour or more and this would stop the whining. I would then make sure he gets to eat something as soon as possible. When he is full, his brain is working on more power.

I need to bring different kinds of snacks and water when we go out in the car; this curbs the whining as well.

We are not out of the dark, but I am learning more about Nash and his needs with this concentrated effort and I have noticed a bit of a calmer atmosphere.

I am quick to pick him up or hug him when he starts to whine and I validate how he is feeling.

I guess at his feeling using phrases like these:

"Your so sad right now, what can I do for you?"
"Your so upset, I'm sorry you can't have that."
"You sound frustrated, would a hug help?"

Theses phrases he almost never answers, but his whining does stop sooner than it use to, so I know he's hearing me.

I will keep you posted...

-Good Luck and Happy Parenting!