Our words have the power to
uplift dismiss connect create barriers motivate discourage

Words leave lasting impressions, especially in children. Our remarks may unintentionally dismiss or disregard what they are going through, minimise their feelings and cause them to feel unheard. Over time, a child may become less inclined to open up and struggle to seek help, which impacts their emotional growth.

Have you heard these words before? Do you remember how they made you feel?

See, I told you!

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This reinforces the child's mistake, implying that they should have known better and mistakes are intolerable.

Instead of receiving support or guidance, they are criticised, on top of the natural consequences that they had experienced. This stresses them further and discourages them from learning through their experiences.

You're over-reacting

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This suggests that their emotions are invalid, causing a child to question whether they are wrong to feel the way they do.

Over time, this dismissal can undermine their confidence in sharing their experiences.

Just ignore & it'll pass

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This response teaches the child to dismiss their feelings, preventing them from developing the skills to handle the situation.

It conveys that their problems are not worth addressing, which could make them less likely to seek help in the future. It is also a missed opportunity to provide support or teach coping strategies for the child to navigate life's challenges

See, I told you!

Click to read more
This reinforces the child's mistake, implying that they should have known better and mistakes are intolerable.

Instead of receiving support or guidance, they are criticised, on top of the natural consequences that they had experienced. This stresses them further and discourages them from learning through their experiences.

You're over-reacting

Click to read more
This suggests that their emotions are invalid, causing a child to question whether they are wrong to feel the way they do.

Over time, this dismissal can undermine their confidence in sharing their experiences.

Just ignore & it'll pass

Click to read more
This response teaches the child to dismiss their feelings, preventing them from developing the skills to handle the situation.

It conveys that their problems are not worth addressing, which could make them less likely to seek help in the future. It is also a missed opportunity to provide support or teach coping strategies for the child to navigate life's challenges

What other
dismissive Responses have you heard?

Listening with Love, Growing with Trust

To truly support our children, we must listen with love and understand what they have to say

Children are always finding unique ways to communicate with us. They are reaching out and letting us into their world in ways they know how. As they try their best to make sense of this great big world inside their minds, they may not always find the right words.

It is easy to overlook how our words can affect a child’s emotions. As trusted adults, it is important we listen to these moments with care and respond with love. 

Parenting is a journey of balancing many responsibilities while trying to find moments for self-care. It is not easy and we are here for you.

At Singapore Children’s Society, we believe that you are doing the best you can. We recognise the struggles trusted adults face in juggling a child’s development and other aspects of your lives. As we work harder to support our trusted adult throughout this journey, we would love to hear how you would like to be supported.

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Commemorate with us

Tinkle Friend 40th Anniversary

21st & 22nd Dec 2024 | Sat & Sun
11am to 8pm | Our Tampines Hub 
Guest of Honour: Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development

Did you know that Tinkle Friend is the only helpline and chatline for Primary School children in Singapore?

Discover its rich history and listen to heartfelt stories from children who have reached out for emotional support. Speak to our practitioners to uncover how our dismissive responses may have impacted our children’s wellbeing. Our everyday response matters – explore, connect and commemorate this special milestone with us.

Knowledge is power

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