Building a Healthy Lifestyle for Children: A Foundation for Lifelong Wellness at Genesis Childcare 1989
- Genesis Childcare 1989 - Tampines
- Jun 3, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
A healthy lifestyle is more than just the absence of illness—it is the balance of physical, mental, and social well-being. It encompasses nutritious eating, regular exercise, emotional stability, and even spiritual wellness. For children, building these habits early is crucial because they form the foundation of how they live, learn, and grow into adulthood.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, one of the most trusted names in Tampines infant care and Tampines child care, we believe that healthy lifestyle education must begin from the earliest years. Our dedicated educators guide children through daily routines that nurture both body and mind—helping them develop positive habits that will benefit them for life.
Why Early Healthy Habits Matter
Childhood is a period of rapid development—physically, cognitively, and socially. It’s during these formative years that patterns around eating, movement, and self-care begin to form. If children develop unhealthy habits early—such as poor diet choices or excessive screen time—they are more likely to carry those behaviors into adulthood. Over time, these habits may increase their risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, or heart problems.
By contrast, children who grow up in a health-conscious environment—such as in a nurturing Tampines preschool or Tampines nursery like Genesis—tend to have stronger immunity, higher energy levels, and better emotional regulation. They also display more focus and confidence, both in academics and social settings.
The Growing Concern of Childhood Obesity in Singapore
In Singapore, childhood obesity has become a growing concern. Studies show that around 16% of students across all school levels were considered overweight or obese as of 2022. This figure highlights the urgent need to promote healthy eating and active living from a young age.
Dr. Lim Yang Chern, a pediatrician interviewed by CNA, revealed that 1 in 5 children are overweight or obese—an alarming statistic that points to lifestyle habits starting too early. Obesity not only affects physical health but can also lead to emotional challenges, including low self-esteem or social withdrawal.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our teachers and caregivers work hand-in-hand with parents to prevent such issues by promoting balanced meals, regular exercise, and positive relationships with food.
Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children
Healthy eating forms the cornerstone of a child’s overall development. In our Tampines child care and Tampines preschool programs, children are encouraged to enjoy nutritious meals and snacks that support their growth. We teach them about the importance of balance—understanding that food is both fuel for the body and a source of joy.
Children who overeat or are excessively picky can face long-term health risks, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or chronic obesity. That’s why Genesis Childcare 1989 educators introduce healthy eating in fun and engaging ways—through storytelling, cooking sessions, and themed food exploration activities that encourage curiosity rather than restriction.
Understanding Energy Balance
Maintaining a healthy weight depends on energy balance—the relationship between energy consumed (food) and energy expended (activity). When children eat more calories than they use, the excess is stored as fat, leading to gradual weight gain. To prevent this, children need to stay active while consuming the right proportions of food groups.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, daily routines naturally include movement—from guided play and outdoor time to music and dance sessions. These help children expend energy joyfully, without feeling pressured to “exercise.” Parents are also encouraged to reinforce this balance at home through family walks, weekend sports, or simple home chores done together.
The “My Healthy Plate” Approach
The My Healthy Plate model, endorsed by Singapore’s Health Promotion Board, is a simple visual guide to balanced eating. It includes four essential food groups:
Grains (preferably whole grains such as brown rice or whole meal bread)
Fruits
Vegetables
Meat and alternatives (including dairy, beans, and tofu)
A child’s daily diet should include:
3–4 servings of grains
1 serving of fruits
1 serving of vegetables
2 servings of meat or alternatives
Our Tampines nursery integrates this concept into meal planning. Meals are crafted to be both nutritious and appealing to young taste buds, encouraging children to enjoy whole foods instead of processed snacks.
Smart Snacking for Growing Kids
Snacking can be healthy when done right. Instead of sugary or fried treats, children can enjoy:
Yoghurt with granola and fruit
Cheese with wholegrain crackers
Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
Fresh fruit popsicles
Veggie sticks with hummus or guacamole
In our Tampines preschool, children learn to identify healthier snacks and understand why these are better choices. Snack time becomes an educational moment, not just a break.
Shopping Smart with Healthier Choice Foods
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in shaping their child’s eating patterns. One practical step is choosing food products with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) when shopping. These products typically contain less salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats while being higher in fiber or calcium.
However, even healthy foods should be consumed in moderation. At Genesis Childcare 1989, we educate both parents and children about balance—not just in food choices but in overall lifestyle habits.
Introducing a Healthy Diet Early
Children model the behaviors they see. When adults eat healthily and stay active, children naturally follow. Caregivers can promote healthier diets by:
Choosing healthier cooking oils
Serving fruits and vegetables daily
Incorporating wholegrains into meals
Reducing sugar and salt intake
Preparing simple dishes with children’s participation
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we often involve children in meal-related activities. Whether it’s arranging fruits by color or helping with simple kitchen tasks, these small interactions build positive associations with nutritious food.
Physical Activity: The Other Half of a Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy living isn’t only about what goes on the plate—it’s also about movement. Children aged 3 to 6 should have at least 180 minutes of physical activity per day, spread throughout the day in various forms and intensities.
In our Tampines child care programs, physical play is seamlessly integrated into daily routines. From structured games to free play, dance, and outdoor exploration, every activity supports physical, social, and emotional growth.
Fun Physical Activities for Young Children
Some fun and developmentally appropriate activities include:
Hide and seek
Ball games
Cycling or scooting
Dancing and gymnastics
Swimming
Walking to nearby parks or playgrounds
Helping with household chores
Even small actions like taking the stairs instead of the lift can make a difference. These activities also help children build motor skills and teamwork while bonding with peers and caregivers.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our Tampines preschool environment is designed with safety and movement in mind. Play areas are secure, spacious, and equipped to encourage safe exploration.
Safety Comes First
While physical activity is essential, safety is equally important. Children often get excited during play, forgetting about potential risks. That’s why adult supervision and proper safety education are crucial.
Safety tips include:
Wearing suitable clothing and protective gear
Avoiding strenuous activity right after heavy meals
Doing warm-ups and cool-downs
Taking frequent water breaks
Stopping activity if feeling pain, giddiness, or breathlessness
Avoiding outdoor play during extreme heat
Our teachers at Genesis Childcare 1989 carefully supervise every activity and teach children simple safety habits—helping them stay active and mindful.
Building a Healthy Lifestyle for Children with Genesis Childcare 1989
Healthy lifestyles begin with small, consistent steps — and when nurtured early, these habits can last a lifetime. At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that teaching children to live healthily goes beyond diet and exercise; it’s about shaping a mindset that values overall well-being. Through our Tampines infant care, Tampines nursery, and Tampines child care programs, we integrate balanced nutrition, active play, and emotional support into every child’s daily routine.
By promoting a healthy lifestyle for children — from wholesome meals and regular movement to mindfulness and rest — we help them develop strong bodies, focused minds, and positive attitudes toward self-care. Working hand in hand with parents, Genesis Childcare 1989 nurtures not only healthy children but also confident, resilient, and joyful individuals.
Start your child’s journey toward lifelong health and happiness with Genesis Childcare 1989, where every day inspires a stronger body, sharper mind, and brighter future..
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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: 96664141
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