The 6 “Annoying” Child Habits That Are Actually Perfectly Normal: A Guide for Parents
- Genesis Childcare 1989 - Tampines
- Nov 22, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
When your adorable baby grows into a curious and energetic toddler, you might notice new behaviors that sometimes test your patience. From endless “whys” to sudden tears, these moments can be confusing and even frustrating. However, many of these so-called annoying habits are actually part of normal child development.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, a trusted Tampines infant care, Tampines child care, Tampines preschool, and Tampines nursery, our teachers and caregivers often remind parents that understanding a child’s behavior is the first step to supporting their growth. What may seem like misbehavior is often your little one’s way of learning, expressing independence, or making sense of their world.
Let’s explore six common habits that parents often find challenging — and why they’re actually signs that your child is growing just as they should.
1. Saying “NO” to Everything
The moment your toddler discovers the power of the word “no,” you might feel like you’re dealing with a tiny rebel. Suddenly, every request — from eating vegetables to putting on shoes — is met with that defiant little word.
But here’s the good news: this is completely normal! Around the age of two, children begin to realize they are separate individuals with their own thoughts and preferences. Saying “no” is their way of asserting independence and testing boundaries.
Instead of getting frustrated, use this stage to teach your child about choices. Offer two acceptable options, such as, “Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue one?” or “Do you want to eat rice or noodles for lunch?” Giving your child small opportunities to decide helps them feel respected and builds confidence.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, teachers at our Tampines preschool follow the same principle. We encourage independence by allowing children to make simple choices during playtime and snack time. This nurtures decision-making skills and self-control in a safe environment.
2. Asking Endless Questions
“Why is the sky blue?” “Where does the sun go at night?” “Why can’t cats talk?”
If you feel like your toddler has turned into a little detective, you’re not alone. Young children are naturally curious. They’re constantly exploring, observing, and trying to make sense of everything they see and hear.
Sometimes, they’ll ask the same question repeatedly. This repetition isn’t meant to annoy you — it’s actually how they reinforce new information. Each time you answer, your child builds a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Be patient and answer their questions as best as you can, even when they come non-stop. If you’re not sure of an answer, it’s okay to explore it together! You could look it up in a book or watch an educational video.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our dedicated educators at the Tampines nursery and Tampines child care center love encouraging this natural curiosity. Through storytelling, science activities, and hands-on exploration, we help children satisfy their thirst for knowledge while developing their cognitive and communication skills.
3. Waking Up in the Middle of the Night
Just when you think your toddler is finally sleeping through the night, they start waking up again — sometimes crying or calling for you. This can be exhausting, but it’s also a normal phase of childhood development.
Sleep disturbances can occur for several reasons: your child may have had an emotionally intense day, experienced a new milestone, or simply be processing new information. Learning and growing can be overwhelming for little minds!
One way to help is to schedule stimulating activities earlier in the day, such as outdoor play, storytelling, or art. At Genesis Childcare 1989, our caregivers at the Tampines preschool make sure learning activities are balanced with adequate rest and quiet time, ensuring children have a well-regulated daily rhythm.
4. Crying Suddenly
Tears are a toddler’s natural way of communicating big emotions. Maybe you’ve seen your child burst into tears when you turn off their favorite cartoon or when they’re asked to clean up toys.
At this age, children don’t yet have the emotional maturity to express frustration or disappointment calmly. Crying helps them release tension and seek comfort.
As parents, your role is to stay calm and consistent. Set clear rules and follow them gently. For instance, if screen time is over, you can say, “I know you’re sad, but it’s time to stop. Let’s draw your favorite cartoon character instead.” This teaches emotional regulation and coping skills.
Our teachers at Genesis Childcare 1989 in Tampines child care settings often guide children in naming their feelings — happy, sad, angry, or tired — helping them build emotional intelligence from a young age. Over time, children learn to express themselves more effectively and handle frustration better.
5. Refusing to Eat
Many parents worry when their once-eager eater suddenly becomes picky. Your child might start leaving food unfinished or even rejecting their favorite dishes.
This too is a normal part of toddlerhood. Appetite naturally fluctuates depending on growth spurts, activity levels, and emotional states. Sometimes, children are simply too busy playing to want to sit down for a meal.
Avoid forcing your child to eat — this can lead to negative associations with food. Instead, offer small portions, serve meals at regular times, and make mealtime relaxed and positive. If your child is still energetic and meeting developmental milestones, there’s usually no cause for concern.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we make mealtimes enjoyable experiences. Our Tampines preschool and Tampines nursery programs provide nutritious meals prepared with children’s needs in mind, while teachers model healthy eating habits. We believe that positive encouragement, not pressure, helps children develop lifelong good eating behaviors.
6. Being Picky About Food Choices
As your child grows, their taste buds develop too. This newfound awareness of flavors can lead to fussiness — one day they love broccoli, the next they refuse to touch it.
Rather than worrying, take this as an opportunity to teach about food exploration. Introduce new dishes slowly and keep familiar favorites available. Get your child involved by letting them help set the table or pick a fruit to include in their meal.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our nutrition approach across our Tampines child care and Tampines nursery programs emphasizes variety and balance. We gently encourage children to try new foods while respecting their preferences. Through fun cooking activities and food-themed learning, children become more open to tasting and enjoying a wide range of healthy foods.
Understanding Your Toddler Better: Managing Annoying Child Habits
The toddler years are filled with rapid growth — physically, mentally, and emotionally. What may seem like challenging behavior is often just your child learning about independence, emotions, and the world around them.
By staying patient and supportive, you help your little one develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience. And remember — you’re not alone in this journey.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our caring team at Tampines infant care, Tampines nursery, and Tampines preschool understands that every child learns and grows at their own pace. We provide a nurturing environment where your child can explore, express, and evolve — all while feeling safe and loved.
Through play-based learning, structured routines, and gentle guidance, we help children turn those “annoying” habits into meaningful milestones.
So, the next time your toddler says “no” for the hundredth time or refuses their meal, take a deep breath. These moments are signs of growth, curiosity, and self-discovery — the very building blocks of a happy, confident child.
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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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