By Ruth Gamo-Bilon
Parenting is a journey marked by countless small, yet significant moments—fleeting yet profound. From a child’s first crawl to their first steps, these moments may seem small but often lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
At Little Seeds Preschool (St. John’s-St. Margaret’s), we believe in the power of these moments, recognising them as vital milestones in a child’s growth. Through reflections from three parents whose children have transitioned from our infant care to preschool, we explore how these everyday experiences have led to profound discoveries both at home and in school.
Discovering independence through small achievements
For Benjamin Ng, father to Shiloh (4 years old) and Arie (16 months old), these small moments have been key to his children’s growth.
“These small everyday moments lend confidence to our children, giving them the courage to try new things,” Benjamin says.
Shiloh’s first independent act of tying her own hair at school was a breakthrough moment. Despite never having attempted it at home, she eagerly demonstrated the skill to her family, showcasing her growing independence.
Similarly, Arie began following basic instructions, expressing her emotions with laughter, and even feeding herself with utensils—something she hadn’t done at home before. Encouraged by her teachers, Arie gained the confidence to develop motor skills and independence.
Andrea Fang, mother of Aden (5 years old), Asher (3 years old), and Azariah (13 months old), also shares how intentional yet simple acts by teachers spark confidence in young learners.
“We love that Little Seeds Preschool has such a caring and loving group of teachers and staff. Their love for the kids is clear in their interactions,” Andrea says.
“The Infant Care teachers had a brilliant idea to create a book of family photos for each baby, helping them feel connected to familiar faces. This thoughtful gesture has grown into interactive handmade boards that the babies can play with. It’s amazing how they creatively incorporate us into their day, especially as working parents who wish we could spend more time with our children.”
The role of everyday interactions in growth
Eunice Ong, mother of Ethan (3 years old) and Chloe (20 months old), shares how these daily interactions shape her children’s emotional intelligence. Ethan has learned to ask permission before taking his baby sister’s toys. Over time, this respect has encouraged a strong sibling bond. Ethan now teaches Chloe new things, and she looks up to him as a guide.
“Through these simple interactions, they learn not only about each other but also about themselves,” Eunice shares.
Similarly, Andrea recalls how greeting neighbours with her children sparked unexpected lessons. Their habit of acknowledging aunties and cleaners unknowingly fostered empathy and curiosity in her oldest son, Aden. At five, he now engages conversations with others, showing a genuine interest in people around him.
Andrea shares, “I’ve learned that presence matters more than perfection. We often think activities must be meticulously planned, but our children don’t need perfection—they need us to be present. Whether it’s joining their pretend restaurant game or creating spontaneous sensory play, what truly matters is engagement and love.”
Learning through sibling bonds
Siblings play an essential role in shaping each other’s learning journeys. Shiloh’s delight in having Arie at school highlights the power of sibling relationships. She takes on the role of a caring older sister, reporting back on Arie’s well-being.
Similarly, Ethan and Chloe have transitioned from sibling rivalry to shared understanding. Though occasional squabbles happen, they’ve learned to make amends and support each other in their growth.
Sending Chloe to infant care at six months was an emotional decision for her parents, but knowing that Ethan was there to guide her provided reassurance. As parents, they felt comforted knowing Ethan would look out for his little sister. “Ethan has paved the way for Chloe,” her parents say proudly. “He’s been a loving older brother, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Eunice adds, “We are so grateful to the teachers at LSP (SJSM) for being a consistent village of support. They’ve celebrated and supported us through milestones like Ethan graduating from Infant Care to Playgroup, offering extra TLC during the newborn days with Chloe, and caring for Chloe as their own when she started Infant Care at six months. Every step of the way, their teachers were considerate, caring and supportive—always attentive to our family and children’s needs, and loving us in a way that feels like family.”
Bridging home and school
The connection between home and school is crucial to reinforcing a child’s development. Many parents have expressed their appreciation for the open communication between teachers and families. This partnership allows children’s learning to extend beyond the classroom.
For example, when Arie’s teachers shared her progress in performing basic tasks, her parents were able to reinforce those skills at home.
At LSP (SJSM), teachers allow children to explore and learn at their own pace. Shiloh’s parents appreciated that she was never rushed through milestones like toilet training. Instead, her teachers provided gentle guidance, respecting her readiness and fostering a sense of autonomy.
This shared approach between parents and educators creates an environment where children feel secure, encouraged, and motivated to explore.
Embracing small moments, cultivating big growth
As parents, it’s easy to focus on big milestones—the first words, steps, and school days. Yet, the most significant growth often happens in small, everyday moments.
Children are constantly observing, learning, and growing. Whether it’s mimicking kindness, gaining independence, or learning patience, every moment counts.
At LSP (SJSM), we understand that it’s in these small, daily moments that the foundation for lifelong learning is built. Our role as educators and parents is to notice, nurture, and celebrate them. By working hand-in-hand, we create a loving environment where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged.
The loving care of a child’s community—their village—shapes their growth. Let’s continue to cherish and celebrate these small moments, for they hold the key to the greatest discoveries in our children’s development.
To find out more about our preschools, visit https://littleseeds.edu.sg/.
Ruth Gamo-Bilon is the Principal of Little Seeds Preschool (St. John’s-St. Margaret’s)
