Is it okay to let my kid whine?

Oh I have one of those too. It can certainly get under your skin and is always worse when in public. I have found that being consistent and not giving in does work....most of the time. I tell my child to 'speak to me properly so i can understand' and also that 'you can keep asking but my answer won't change' when they become very persistent. I also like to say things like 'I understand what you are saying' and 'I can see that you are frustrated' - to make sure i acknowledge their feelings even though i am not giving in. I think whining is something that all kids do in varying degrees and it is something they will generally outgrow.

I love all of these tips. One thing that has worked pretty consistently for us is saying "I can't understand you when you talk like that"...it usually results in them taking a breath and trying to use a calmer, "big kid" voice.

It really is so hard to listen to. If you need to take a break, you are allowed to say that you're feeling frustrated and you need some space. As long as you do it in a calm way, you're also modeling good behavior for the next time your child is feeling frustrated.

I would keep going as you try to curtail the whining, as it is an annoying habit that benefits no one. I am sure some kids are naturally more inclined to whine but allowing it will only keep the habit going.

I think that you are doing everything right in this situation. I have seen kids, when with the one parent, never whine as they do not put up with it. When the other parent is around (who allows whining), the whining is at an all-time high. It shows that the behavior can be turned off and on at will.

I know it is hard to be consistent, but in this case, hopefully, it will be worth it.

Having a whining child can be very difficult at times. As a parent you have to develop your behavior management plan and stick to it.
In order to make your responses and strategies more comprehendible for those around, you can take you family and friends in confidence and share it with them.
In most cases, a behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences. What you do right after a behavior decides if the child will behave this way again or not.
If you want your child to stop whining, you have to stop giving in to his behavior. If avoidance is your strategy, it should be consistent. Sometimes parents report that they do not give in to the demand of their kid when he is whining. But when I discuss in detail, it turns out that they try to calm their kid and leave everything to sit with him while he is creating a fuss. Their attention in itself becomes a reinforcement for the child and he continues with the behavior.
A simple behavior management technique at home can be designating a quiet and safe place where your child gets to sit while whining. Make sure that you can observe your kid and he doesn’t have access to any thing dangerous. Make it a rule that he sits there until he calms down. Be consistent and you will see the results.