Dear Jill, I am writing you in reference to my 18 month old granddaughter. But this stage is a wonderful time for the child because she is discovering so many things about her world that she didn't understand before. The key to handling this stage is patience.
Children do what works.
If your granddaughter is whining, she is getting a response from you. Oddly enough, children seem to prefer punishment and anger to no response at all. Whining is usually based on the goal of seeking undue attention. Do not say anything about the whining or what the child is whining about - just hug until you both feel better. Tell her that if she whines you will leave the room.