How Giving Your Child Choices Helps Them Listen Better: A Parenting Guide
- Genesis Childcare 1989 - Tampines
- Nov 24, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 3
Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys in life. Every parent wishes for their child to listen, cooperate, and understand instructions — but sometimes, no matter how much you try, your little one simply refuses. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to maintain a peaceful home environment.
But what if the key to getting your child to listen isn’t through constant reminders or scolding — but through giving them choices?
At Genesis Childcare 1989, one of the trusted Tampines child care centers, we believe that empowering children to make small, guided choices helps them develop independence, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. Let’s explore how offering your child choices can positively impact their behavior and strengthen your bond.
Why Giving Your Child Choices Works
Children, just like adults, want to feel respected and heard. When you give your child the power to choose, even in small matters, you show them that their opinions matter. This helps build trust and mutual respect — two important ingredients for effective communication.
Here’s why this simple approach works wonders:
It gives your child a sense of control. Instead of feeling like they’re constantly being told what to do, your child learns that they have a say in the decisions that affect them. This reduces power struggles and promotes cooperation.
It teaches decision-making skills. Offering simple choices allows children to think critically and evaluate their options. For example, “Would you like to wear the blue shirt or the yellow one?” helps them assess preferences and make a choice confidently.
It builds accountability. When your child makes a choice, they are more likely to follow through because they’ve made the decision themselves. This naturally encourages responsibility and ownership of actions.
It boosts confidence. Being able to choose, even between two small options, gives children a sense of independence. They feel proud of their ability to decide, which in turn strengthens their self-esteem.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, these principles are deeply integrated into our teaching approach. Our educators at Tampines preschool and Tampines nursery encourage children to express themselves, make simple choices, and take initiative — all while guiding them with love and structure.
How to Offer Choices Effectively
Giving choices doesn’t mean giving children full control. The key is to present two acceptable options that lead to the same positive outcome.
Here’s how to do it right:
Limit the choices. Too many options can confuse a child. Offer only two clear, simple choices such as: “Would you like to brush your teeth first or change into pajamas first?”
This way, your child feels empowered without feeling overwhelmed.
Be okay with either outcome. Only offer options that you are comfortable with. Don’t give a choice that you secretly hope they won’t pick. Consistency builds trust and helps your child learn boundaries.
Keep it age-appropriate. For toddlers and preschoolers, keep choices simple and direct. For example: “Do you want apple slices or a banana for your snack?”
At our Tampines infant care center, our caregivers use this technique regularly. Even infants can respond to gentle prompts like choosing between two toys or bibs — it’s a wonderful way to encourage early communication and decision-making.
Avoid giving choices during emotional outbursts. When your child is having a tantrum or meltdown, that’s not the right time for decision-making. First, help them calm down with gentle reassurance. Once they’re relaxed, you can revisit the situation and offer options to help them regain control.
Setting Boundaries: Knowing What’s Non-Negotiable
While choices are empowering, there must still be clear boundaries. Some things are simply non-negotiable — such as bedtime, safety rules, or healthy eating.
You can, however, offer flexibility within those boundaries. For instance:
Non-negotiable: It’s time for dinner.
Choices: “Would you like to sit in your high chair or your booster seat?”
This method gives your child autonomy while ensuring that essential routines are followed. It’s a great way to balance authority and empathy — something we model daily at Genesis Childcare 1989.
Real-Life Examples of Giving Choices
Here are some easy, real-world examples you can apply at home:
Getting dressed: Lay out two outfits and let your child choose what to wear. “Would you like the red shirt or the blue one?”
Packing for an outing: Let your child choose two items to bring — maybe a book and a toy.“Which two things would you like to pack in your bag?”
Helping after meals: “Would you like to put your plate in the sink, or should I help you?”
Eating fruits: “Would you prefer an apple or a banana?”
When choosing a parent’s help: “Mommy is washing the dishes now. Would you like Daddy to help you, or would you rather wait for Mommy?”
Bedtime routine: “Which book would you like to read tonight — The Gruffalo or Goodnight Moon?”
Simple choices like these make your child feel capable and heard. At our Tampines preschool classrooms, teachers use similar techniques to encourage cooperation — like letting children choose which learning station to visit first or which song to sing during circle time.
Tips to Help Your Child Make Good Choices
Offering choices is just the start — helping your child make wise ones is the goal. Here’s how you can support that process:
Don’t criticize their decisions. Even if your child’s choice seems impractical or messy, avoid harsh criticism. Instead, use it as a teaching moment. Criticism can make them afraid to take initiative next time.
Praise their efforts. When your child successfully makes a choice or shows independence, acknowledge it. A simple “I like how you decided all by yourself” reinforces positive behavior.
Guide lovingly. If your child makes a mistake, gently explain what could be done differently next time. Encourage reflection without anger or blame.
Model decision-making. Children learn by watching you. Explain your thought process when you make small decisions. For instance: “I’m choosing to wear my jacket because it looks like it might rain.”
This helps children understand reasoning and learn how to make thoughtful choices.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our educators practice the same approach. In both our Tampines child care and Tampines nursery programs, teachers guide children with patience and positive reinforcement, helping them understand cause and effect through real-life experiences.
The Genesis Childcare 1989 Approach to Empowering Children
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that education goes beyond academics. It’s about nurturing confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.
Our Tampines infant care, Tampines preschool, and Tampines nursery programs are designed to promote independence while providing a safe, structured environment where children can grow at their own pace.
Teachers use choice-based learning daily — from letting toddlers pick storybooks to allowing preschoolers to choose art materials. These small but meaningful decisions help children develop leadership, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.
Parents who partner with Genesis often notice that their children become more cooperative, self-assured, and communicative — traits that will benefit them long after they leave our classrooms.
Final Thoughts
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but small, consistent actions make a big difference. Giving your child choices is a simple yet powerful way to teach respect, independence, and accountability. It transforms daily routines into learning opportunities and strengthens your bond.
If you’re looking for a nurturing environment that applies these same values, Genesis Childcare 1989 is the perfect choice. Our team in Tampines provides trusted infant care, child care, preschool, and nursery programs that focus on holistic development and positive guidance.
We believe every child deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered — and it all begins with a choice.
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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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