Watch What You Say To The Kids

Children pick up their language skills, both consciously and sub-consciously, from what they see and hear.

Listen To The Kids

Pay attention to the things the child says. We will notice that the child may use certain phrases or expressions that are very similar to what the parents or any other close relative or friend tend to use.

Watch What We Say

A simple and cost-effective way to help the child speak better is to pay attention to how we normally speak.

Are we guilty of using non-Standard English words or phrases that the child is likely to pick up?

Here are 6 examples that many Singaporean parents are prone to using:

• “Faster late already”


• “You don’t listen I tell Daddy”


• “Why you so naughty”


• “Wait Mummy give you ok?”


• “You better don’t do that ah”


• “ Everytime also like that”

The list can go on.

Becoming Role Models For the Child

Be mindful of the language we use. When we correct ourselves and consciously speak in standard English, the child will do so too.

Decide to start speaking English well today.

3 Quick Steps To Start

• List some non-standard English words and phrases that we usually use


• Pick one non-standard English phrase that / word we use most commonly and make an effort to stop using it this week.


• Be conscious of what we say to the kids each time we speak to them. Correct ourselves immediately every time we say it.

If we keep at it, we will stop using the phrase completely in no time. The child will also realise that it isn’t standard English and will avoid saying it too.

Take the first step today. One phrase at a time and soon we’ll be a role model for the child.