12 Powerful Phrases Every Parent Should Say to Their Child: Building Confidence, Trust, and Love
- Genesis Childcare 1989 - Tampines
- Jan 3, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 2
Words carry incredible power — they can lift, inspire, and nurture a child’s confidence or, if used carelessly, can cause doubt and fear. As parents, what we say to our children matters deeply. Every word shapes how they view themselves and the world around them.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, a trusted Tampines preschool, educators and caregivers understand the importance of language in shaping young minds. From the gentle coos at Tampines infant care to the curious chatter at Tampines nursery, words form the foundation of a child’s emotional and cognitive development. That’s why we always encourage parents to use positive, empowering phrases that strengthen the bond between parent and child.
Below are 12 simple yet powerful phrases that can help you nurture your child’s self-esteem, emotional resilience, and love for learning — both at home and in school.
1. “It’s okay to not be okay.”
Children often struggle to process big emotions, and sometimes, parents rush to fix everything immediately. But it’s important to teach your child that it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or frustrated.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our Tampines child care educators encourage children to name and express their feelings. When children learn that emotions are not something to hide but to understand, they grow into emotionally healthy individuals.
So next time your child is upset, give them space to feel. Tell them, “It’s okay to not be okay.” You’ll be teaching empathy, patience, and self-awareness — life skills that matter more than perfection.
2. “I see you trying.”
Children need recognition not only when they succeed but also when they put in effort. When you say, “I see you trying,” you acknowledge their perseverance.
In our Tampines preschool, teachers use similar encouragement daily — praising effort instead of just outcomes. This helps children develop a growth mindset, teaching them that progress and persistence matter more than immediate results.
Celebrate small wins. Whether it’s your toddler trying to tie shoelaces or your preschooler learning to write, your words can motivate them to keep going.
3. “I love you — unconditionally.”
Perhaps the most powerful words any child can hear are “I love you.” But what makes them transformative is the assurance that this love is unconditional — not dependent on grades, behavior, or achievements.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that a secure and loving environment is the foundation for lifelong learning. In our Tampines nursery, caregivers shower children with warmth and positive affirmation, helping them feel safe and valued.
Let your child know that even on difficult days, your love never changes. This unconditional love gives them the courage to face the world with confidence.
4. “If you put in effort, you can achieve your goal.”
Children need to know that success comes from effort, not luck. Encourage your child to explore their interests and passions, and remind them that consistent effort leads to improvement.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, teachers guide children to set small goals — from completing a puzzle to mastering a new word — and celebrate their persistence. Our Tampines child care approach nurtures independence and a strong work ethic early on.
When you say, “If you put in effort, you can achieve your goal,” you’re planting the seed of self-motivation.
5. “Mistakes will happen.”
Mistakes are not failures — they’re opportunities to learn. As adults, we know this, but for a child, making a mistake can feel discouraging.
At our Tampines preschool, teachers often tell children, “It’s okay to make mistakes — that’s how we learn.” This helps kids develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
When your child spills something or gets an answer wrong, reassure them: “Mistakes will happen.” Then, gently guide them toward finding solutions.
6. “I understand why you feel that way.”
One of the best ways to connect with your child is through empathy. Acknowledging their emotions helps them feel seen and understood.
You could say, “I understand you’re upset because we couldn’t go to the playground today.” This shows that you care about their feelings, even if you can’t change the situation.
In our Tampines nursery, teachers use emotional labeling to help toddlers build vocabulary for feelings — joy, anger, sadness, excitement — enabling them to express themselves better. This emotional intelligence begins at home and flourishes in supportive environments like Genesis Childcare 1989.
7. “Thank you.”
Gratitude goes both ways. When you thank your child for doing something — even if it’s expected, like putting toys away — you reinforce good behavior and teach manners.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, gratitude is part of daily interaction. Children learn to appreciate one another’s efforts, share materials, and express kindness. This positive culture begins in our Tampines infant care, where caregivers model appreciation through words and actions.
So, the next time your child helps you, say “Thank you!” You’re not just being polite — you’re building empathy and cooperation.
8. “I know you can do it — I believe in you.”
Every child experiences moments of doubt. When they hear you say, “I know you can do it,” you’re lending them your confidence until they find their own.
At our Tampines child care center, we often remind children that believing in themselves is key to success. Whether it’s learning to write their name or performing in a class activity, that little boost of confidence makes all the difference.
Your belief becomes their inner voice — the one that tells them, “I can do this” when challenges arise.
9. “You ask great questions!”
Curiosity is the heart of learning. When your child asks questions, even the silliest ones, they’re showing a natural desire to understand the world.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we encourage curiosity through inquiry-based learning in our Tampines preschool. Teachers guide children to explore, question, and experiment, turning every “Why?” into a learning opportunity.
Praising your child’s curiosity not only boosts confidence but also strengthens their love for reading, discovery, and critical thinking.
10. “I’m sorry — I made a mistake.”
Children learn more from what you do than what you say. When you admit your mistakes and apologize, you’re teaching humility and accountability.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our educators model this same behavior. We believe that showing vulnerability helps build trust between adults and children.
Saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t make you weak; it shows your child that everyone makes mistakes — and that taking responsibility is a sign of strength.
11. “It’s okay to change your mind.”
As children grow, their interests and preferences will evolve. They may want to stop one activity and try another. As parents, giving them the freedom to change their mind helps build confidence in decision-making.
At our Tampines preschool, we provide opportunities for children to explore different activities — from art and music to science and outdoor play. This variety encourages creativity and helps them discover what they truly enjoy.
By saying, “It’s okay to change your mind,” you’re teaching flexibility and self-awareness — traits that will serve them well throughout life.
12. “I am here for you.”
Perhaps one of the most reassuring things a child can hear is, “I am here for you.” These words provide emotional safety and comfort, especially during tough times.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our caregivers in Tampines nursery and Tampines infant care practice active listening — offering comfort when children feel anxious or sad. Parents can mirror this approach at home by being present and patient, even when their child isn’t ready to talk.
Your consistent presence gives your child a sense of security that will help them face life’s challenges with courage and trust.
Building Confidence, Trust, and Love — Together
Raising a confident, empathetic, and emotionally balanced child starts with mindful communication. The words you use today can shape your child’s tomorrow. When children feel seen, loved, and supported, they thrive — both academically and emotionally. At the heart of this journey is building confidence, trust, and love, which helps children grow into secure and caring individuals.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we work hand-in-hand with parents to nurture these values. Our dedicated team at Tampines infant care, Tampines nursery, and Tampines preschool ensures that every child is guided with kindness, respect, and encouragement — all essential in building confidence, trust, and love within each child.
Through a warm and stimulating environment, we help your child grow in confidence, creativity, and compassion — preparing them not just for school, but for life.
After all, as parents and educators, the most powerful gift we can offer our children is not just education — but words and actions that build confidence, trust, and love, empowering them to flourish in every aspect of life.
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Genesis Tampines Childcare 1989 is one of the best preschool and childcare in Tampines. Our Preschool Tampines have over 30 years of experience in nurturing thousands of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. At our Tampines Childcare, we advocate that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished.
As a leading early childhood center in Singapore since 1989, we are committed to nurturing our early learners holistically through various learning areas and positive learning dispositions. We place a strong emphasis on the way our teachers facilitate and interact with the children.
Our Childcare Tampines believe that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished. Hence, our holistic curriculum aims to create meaningful learning experiences for each and every one of them!
Our Playgroup Tampines provides parents with the confidence that their children are in the good hands of our trained and caring teachers.
Our professional team of preschool teachers has a good understanding of child development and learning principles. We apply them efficiently and set the stage to create a meaningful learning experience that supports your child's discovery.
We consistently create a positive and cozy environment that will give your child a sense of security which builds their self-confidence to explore the world around them.
If you are looking for a good Tampines infant care or Tampines preschool or Tampines childcare near Tampines Central, do consider Nurture Infant House or Genesis Childcare 1989.
Located alongside our childcare in Tampines is our Nurture Infant House. If you are looking for Tampines infant care or infant care in Tampines, do visit Nurture Infant House. It is for infants aged 2 months to 18 months old. You can learn more about our infant care Tampines here.
Lastly, would you like to visit our Genesis Childcare 1989 to find out more about our environment and setup as well as understand our operations by talking to our teachers and supervisor?
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 S(520433)
Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 S(520433)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
Tel: 9666
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