How You Speak to Your Child Matters: Building Positive Communication at Genesis Childcare 1989
- Genesis Childcare 1989 - Tampines
- Sep 3, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 25
When speaking with children, most adults instinctively adjust their tone, language, and expressions to make communication easier. We often simplify our words, shorten our sentences, or use commands to tell children what to do — “Put your toys away,” “Stop running,” or “Eat your food.” While this approach might seem efficient, the way we speak to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers has a profound impact on their emotional growth, confidence, and communication skills.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, a trusted Tampines preschool that has nurtured young minds for decades, teachers and caregivers understand that communication is more than giving directions — it is about connection, respect, and guidance. Whether in our Tampines infant care, Tampines nursery, or Tampines child care programmes, we believe that the words we use shape how children perceive themselves and others. Here are five mindful ways we can all communicate better with our little ones.
1. Ask for Their Opinions
It’s common for parents and educators to make decisions on behalf of toddlers and preschoolers, thinking that adults know best. After all, we have more experience and knowledge. However, when we constantly decide everything for them, we may unintentionally take away their opportunity to express their thoughts, make choices, and learn from outcomes.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, teachers encourage children to share their opinions — even about small things. For instance, when choosing between activities or deciding what to eat for lunch, children are given space to express preferences. This simple act helps them develop a sense of autonomy and confidence.
If your child is in a Tampines nursery or Tampines child care setting, try asking questions like, “Would you like to read a story or play with blocks first?” or “What snack would you like today?” You might be surprised by how thoughtful their choices are! By allowing children to voice opinions and experience consequences (positive or negative), they begin to understand cause and effect — an essential part of cognitive and emotional development.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Another way to strengthen communication is through open-ended questions. Instead of questions that lead to “yes” or “no” answers, try ones that invite explanation and thought. For example, instead of asking “Did you have fun?” you could ask “What was your favorite part of the day?” or “How did that game make you feel?”
At our Tampines preschool, teachers use open-ended questions to spark curiosity and conversation. These questions help children express feelings, describe experiences, and think critically — all while expanding their vocabulary.
Even if your child’s answer is “I don’t know,” that’s okay! Follow up gently: “Hmm, if you had to guess, what do you think?” or “What do you think will happen next time?” Such guidance encourages deeper thinking. Through these exchanges, children learn that their thoughts matter and that communication is a two-way process.
This approach is integral to the philosophy at Genesis Childcare 1989, where learning and language development go hand in hand. By fostering curiosity early, our Tampines infant care and preschool programs lay the groundwork for confident learners who love to express themselves.
3. Inform Instead of Command
It’s easy for adults to slip into a commanding tone with children — “Go to bed,” “Brush your teeth,” or “Stop playing.” While these commands are clear, they can also sound authoritarian, leaving children feeling controlled rather than respected.
Instead of commanding, try informing. For example, say, “It’s bedtime now,” or “We’ll be leaving soon, so it’s time to tidy up.” By simply informing them of what’s happening, you’re giving them responsibility and respect while still guiding them toward the right action.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, educators model this approach daily. In our Tampines nursery classrooms, teachers inform children about transitions — from playtime to snack time or from outdoor play to quiet reading. This approach helps children anticipate what’s next and take ownership of their routines.
Informing rather than commanding creates a calm, cooperative environment where children feel valued. It also teaches them self-regulation — an essential life skill that will serve them far beyond their early years.
4. Use Positive Phrasing
Language carries emotional weight, and the words we choose can either encourage or discourage. Negative phrases like “Don’t run” or “Stop shouting” focus on what not to do. Ironically, young children often fixate on the action word (“run,” “shout”), making them more likely to repeat the behavior we’re trying to stop.
Instead, use positive phrasing: say “Please walk” or “Use your quiet voice.” These gentle, affirmative instructions guide children toward the desired behavior without making them feel scolded.
At our Tampines child care center, teachers consistently use positive language to promote cooperation. Instead of reprimanding, they reframe instructions to encourage positive behavior. This not only reduces resistance but also creates a warmer classroom atmosphere.
Positive communication also boosts self-esteem. When children hear calm, encouraging language, they feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them — a principle deeply embedded in the Genesis Childcare 1989 philosophy.
5. Balance Praise and Criticism
While encouragement is important, too much praise can make children overly dependent on external validation. On the other hand, frequent criticism can damage confidence. The key is balance.
Before praising your child, consider whether you would praise an adult for the same thing. For instance, we wouldn’t applaud an adult for finishing a meal, so perhaps we don’t need to praise a child for that either. Instead, reserve praise for effort, creativity, and kindness. Saying “You worked really hard on that puzzle” or “That was kind of you to share” focuses on qualities that build resilience and empathy.
Similarly, be mindful of criticism. At Genesis Childcare 1989, teachers emphasize gentle guidance over harsh words. If a child struggles with an activity, educators offer encouragement rather than judgment. They understand that every child develops at their own pace — whether in our Tampines infant care, Tampines nursery, or Tampines preschool programmes.
When children make mistakes, they often already feel frustrated or disappointed. What they need most in those moments is understanding and support. A calm conversation can help them reflect and try again, strengthening both emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Communication Shapes Character
Communication is a lifelong skill — one that starts from infancy. Babies observe facial expressions, tone, and rhythm long before they understand words. Toddlers and preschoolers absorb communication styles from their parents, caregivers, and teachers. That’s why the environment at Genesis Childcare 1989 is intentionally built around respect, empathy, and effective communication.
In our Tampines infant care and Tampines child care settings, teachers model gentle, positive speech daily. Children watch, listen, and learn how to express themselves, resolve conflicts, and build relationships. This foundation of mindful communication doesn’t just help them speak well — it helps them grow into confident, compassionate individuals.
When parents and teachers work together to use positive language, ask questions, and respect children’s voices, the results are transformative. Children become better listeners, problem solvers, and communicators. They develop emotional resilience — the ability to manage frustration, express feelings, and handle challenges gracefully.
Building Positive Communication: The Genesis Childcare 1989 Difference
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that building positive communication is at the heart of every child’s growth and development. Our educators foster open, respectful, and nurturing interactions between teachers, children, and parents — creating a warm environment where every voice is heard and valued.
Through consistent communication and understanding, we help children develop confidence, empathy, and strong social skills. Parents are also kept actively involved through regular updates and discussions, ensuring a meaningful partnership in every child’s learning journey.
That’s the Genesis Childcare 1989 difference — a community built on trust, positivity, and collaboration, where children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
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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
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