Mummy Shares: How I'm Balancing Faith, Family, and Fatigue During Ramadan

Eisya Ereena
March 08, 2025
4 min

Ramadan always arrives with this deep longing in my heart.

I picture myself fully immersed in the beauty of it, praying with the congregation at the mosque, feeling the quiet stillness of the night as I turn the pages of the Quran, waking up before dawn not just to cook but to truly embrace sahur with reflection and gratitude.

But then reality sets in.

The first morning of Ramadan starts with me stumbling out of bed, rushing to the kitchen before the baby wakes, mentally checking off what’s left in the fridge.

There’s barely time to sit and eat before I’m already cleaning up, nursing the little one, and preparing for the day ahead.

And just like that, the hours slip away - school runs, house chores, deadlines and endless snack requests from the little ones who aren’t fasting, and before I know it, it’s iftar time, and I haven’t even had a moment to breathe.

By the time Maghrib arrives, I watch my family eat with satisfied smiles, and all I can do is sit there, feeling utterly drained.

Where is my Ramadan?

Where is that spiritual renewal, that peace, that connection I had hoped for?

The Silent Worship of Mummies

There was a time when this feeling of Ramadan slipping through my fingers used to weigh heavily on me.

I would hear about others going to the mosque for tarawih, completing the Quran, feeling the full beauty of Ramadan - and all I could do was keep running on autopilot, making sure everyone else got to experience that sense of devotion.

Then I read something that changed my entire perspective - caring for your family is an act of worship too.

It’s not just about the prayers you manage to squeeze in between bedtime routines and meal preps.

It’s about the unseen sacrifices, the love poured into making sure your family is well-fed and the patience it takes to soothe a fussy toddler while running on an empty stomach.

I realised then that worship isn’t just the moments of stillness in prayer - it’s also the movement, the service, the daily sacrifice.

Mothers aren’t just preparing meals but they’re offering sustenance to their families with love.

They’re not just managing tantrums but they’re teaching patience and kindness.

They’re not just ensuring everything runs smoothly but they’re embodying sacrifice, selflessness, and devotion.

The Juggle: Faith, Family, and Everything In Between

Some days, I feel like I never stop moving.

As a working stay-at-home mummy, it feels like my to-do list never ends - except during Ramadan, everything somehow triples in intensity.

There’s the work deadlines, the ones that don’t pause just because I’m fasting.

Work that still needs finishing, and yet, there’s that gnawing lack of coffee exhaustion that makes my brain feel sluggish by mid-afternoon.

There’s the home management, because even though I tell myself Ramadan is a time to simplify, I still find myself stressing about making sure we have enough groceries for the week, making iftar feel 'special' for the kids, and balancing the constant cleaning and tidying that comes with little ones in the house.

And then there’s the mothering - the school runs, the non-fasting kids who still expect their three meals and a hundred snacks, the endless reminders to 'be patient, we’re all hungry' and the bedtime routines that stretch on for what feels like an eternity.

Somewhere in between, I try to fit in my own worship.

I squeeze in a prayer between emails, try to read even a single verse of the Quran before my eyes blur from exhaustion.

And some nights, when I think I might finally get a moment for tarawih, I hear a child call out for me or I fall into the most exhausted sleep to mankind - and I sigh, knowing that yet again, my plans will have to wait.

Finding Time for Personal Worship

One thing I’ve learnt in this journey is that Ramadan as a mother will never look the way it did before children - but that doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful.

I may not get to pray at the mosque, but I can still feel the beauty of Ramadan through the warmth of my children’s giggles at iftar.

I may not be able to finish the Quran cover to cover, but I can listen to its recitation while cooking or driving.

I may not get long moments of stillness, but I can whisper istighfar and dua while breastfeeding, while folding clothes, while washing dishes.

This is my Ramadan now.

For the longest time, I thought I was missing out.

That because my acts of worship weren’t visible, weren’t as structured or peaceful as they once were, they weren’t enough.

But I now realise that the hidden worship of mothers are seen - the quiet sacrifices, the moments of patience, the love poured into caring for a family while fasting.

A Mummy's Ramadan: More Than Just Sacrifice

There are still days where I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched thin.

Days where I long for just one uninterrupted moment to fully feel Ramadan the way I used to.

But in those moments, I remind myself - this, too, is worship.

Ramadan for mummies isn’t just about fasting and prayer.

It’s about service, love, and devotion in the most unseen of ways.

But that doesn’t mean we should lose ourselves in the process.

This year, I’m reminding myself that I deserve to feel Ramadan too.

That it’s okay to let the kids watch a little extra TV so I can complete my prayer in peace.

That it’s okay to go to the bazaar for iftar meals so I don't have to start preparing food from 3 p.m. onward.

Because beyond the exhaustion, beyond the endless to-do lists, there is still a woman who deserves to experience the holy month in all its glory.

And this Ramadan, perhaps the greatest act of worship I can do is to make space for myself, too.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Step-by-Step Guide to Preschool Registration 2026 Academic Session

Eisya Ereena
March 04, 2025
7 min

Just yesterday, it felt like you were in the hospital, carefully strapping your newborn into the car seat for the first ride home.

In the blink of an eye, those tiny hands have grown, and now it’s time to prepare for preschool registration.

For many parents, this marks a huge milestone - one filled with excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a little anxiety.

After all, preschool is often a child’s first step into structured learning, independence, and social interaction.

But where do you even begin?

With different preschool options, registration deadlines, and required documents, the process can feel overwhelming.

The good news? You’re not alone.

This step-by-step guide will help you understand the preschool system, gather the necessary documents, and successfully register your child.

So, when the first day of school arrives, both you and your little one will be ready to take on this new adventure!

MOE Preschools - Application Process and Required Documents

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

Before applying for a MOE preschool (Tadika KPM), parents must ensure their child meets the eligibility criteria:

• Malaysian citizen


• Born between 2 January 2020 and 15 January 2022


• Only one school selection per application

Parents can choose to apply via two methods:

• Online via the ePrasekolah portal (1 March 2023 – 30 April 2025)


• Manual submission at the selected school (1 March 2023 – 31 May 2025)

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Applications (ePrasekolah)

1. Visit the Official Website

• Go to ePrasekolah.


• For the best experience, use Google Chrome as your web browser.

2. Register as a New User

• If you are a first-time user, create an ePrasekolah account.


• Log in using your registered ID and password.

3. Access the Preschool Application Form

• Click on ‘Borang Permohonan Prasekolah’ to start the application process.

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

4. Complete the Application Form

• Fill in all necessary details, including child’s information, parents' details, and contact information.


• Select one preschool for your application.

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

5. Verify and Submit the Application:

• Review all information entered before submitting. Ensure that details are accurate.

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

6. Print the Submitted Application Form

• Once submitted, print a hard copy of the application.

7. Submit Printed Form and Required Documents

• The printed application form, along with supporting documents, must be submitted to the selected preschool by 31 May 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide for Manual Applications

1. Obtain the Application Form

•  Print the application form online and submit it manually or collect and complete the form directly at the centre before submission.

2. Complete the Form

• Fill in all required details accurately.

3. Prepare Required Documents

• Child’s birth certificate (original and copy)


• Updated immunisation record


• Copies of both parents’ MyKad (ICs)


• Recent passport-sized photographs of the child (2-4 copies)


• Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill)


• Payslips of parents

4. Submit the Completed Form

• Hand in the completed application form and documents to the selected preschool before 31 May 2025.

Checking Application Results

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

After submission, parents can check the application results from 5 August 2025 through the following methods:

• Online via ePrasekolah - Log in to ePrasekolah to check the status.


• Manual Check at the Applied Preschool - Visit the preschool where the application was submitted.

Appeal Process for Unsuccessful Applications

Image credit: Ministry of Education Malaysia

If an application is unsuccessful, parents can submit an appeal within two weeks after the results are announced.

1. Online Appeals

• Submit an appeal via ePrasekolah.


• Appeal results can be checked online from 10 September 2025.

2. Manual Appeals

• Parents who applied manually can submit an appeal directly at the preschool, the District Education Office (PPD), or the State Education Department (JPN) (for states without a PPD/PPW (Territory Education Office)).


• The school will notify parents if their appeal is successful.

Tabika Kemas - Application Process and Required Documents

Tabika Kemas is a government-funded preschool under the Ministry of Rural Development (KEMAS).

It provides early childhood education for children in rural and suburban communities.

Application Process for Tabika Kemas

1. Check Eligibility

• Tabika Kemas accepts children between ages of four to six years old.


• Parents should check with the nearest Tabika Kemas centre for registration dates (varies by location).

2. Obtain and Complete the Registration Form

• Registration is done manually at the nearest Tabika Kemas centre.


• Parents can either print the application form online and submit it manually or collect and complete the form directly at the centre before submission.

3. Submit the Required Documents

• Child’s birth certificate (original and copy)


• Parents' MyKad (IC) copies


• Updated immunisation record


• Recent passport-sized photographs of the child (2-4 copies)


• Household income statement (for fee subsidies, if applicable)

4. Wait for Approval and Confirmation

• The preschool will review applications and notify parents about admission status.


• If accepted, parents will receive further instructions for school enrolment.

5. Prepare for the First Day of Preschool

• Purchase any required school materials, including uniforms and books.


• Follow any additional guidelines provided by the Tabika Kemas centre.

3. Private Preschools - Application Process and Required Documents

Private preschools offer a variety of teaching methods, such as Montessori, play-based learning, and religious-based education.

Fees vary depending on the school’s facilities, location, and programme offerings.

Application Process for Private Preschools

1. Research and Select a Preschool

• Parents should consider factors such as curriculum, fees, teacher qualifications, class size, and school environment.


• It is advisable to visit the preschool, attend an open day, or arrange a trial class.

2. Check Registration Dates & Submit an Application

• Unlike government preschools, private schools have different enrolment periods. Some allow rolling admissions, while others require early registration (up to a year in advance).


• Some private preschools allow online applications, while others require in-person submission.

3. Provide Required Documents

• Child’s birth certificate (original and copy)


• Updated immunisation record


• Parents' MyKad (IC) copies


• Recent passport-sized photographs of the child (2-4 copies)


• Proof of residence


• Additional documents (if required by the preschool)

4. Attend an Interview or Assessment

• Some private preschools conduct interviews or readiness tests to assess the child’s development.


• The school may require parent meetings to discuss expectations and educational approaches.

5. Confirm Admission and Pay Fees

• Once accepted, parents must pay registration fees and deposits to secure their child’s place.


• The school will provide details about uniforms, books, and other requirements.

6. Get Ready for Preschool

• Help your child adjust by practising school routines, encouraging independence, and talking positively about school.

Confirm Placement and Prepare for the School Year

Once admission is confirmed to your selected schools, parents may need to pay registration fees or submit additional documents.

Some preschools also provide a school kit or a list of required items such as uniforms, books, and supplies.

To prepare a child for preschool:

• Introduce them to a routine similar to a school schedule, including wake-up times and meal timings.


• Talk to them about school in a positive way to reduce anxiety.


• Encourage independence by teaching them basic self-care skills like using the toilet, washing hands, and putting on shoes.

By following these steps, parents can navigate the preschool registration process smoothly and ensure a positive start to their child’s early education journey.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Standard 1 2026 Academic Session: How to Register Your Child

Zakwan Shah
March 04, 2025
5 min
Attention, parents!

The 2026 Academic Session registration for Standard 1 students is now available.

From 1 March 2025 to 30 April 2025, the Ministry of Education is opening nationwide applications for children of school-going age born between 2 January 2019 to 1 January 2020.

This registration period is important for parents enrolling their kids to the public school system for the first time.



It ensures they are placed in schools near your area for convenience, and also to update any important information that is necessary for their enrollment.

Wondering how to register and where to go? Don't worry, everything is online now.

Here are the instructions on how to register your child for Standard 1.

For First-Time Applicants

If you haven’t created your idME account, sign up first.:

1. Click on 'Daftar Baru' for users who do not have an account.


2. Please fill in all the information in the provided fields. Information marked with an asterisk (*) is mandatory to be filled in.


3. Tick the checkbox and enter the captcha code in the field provided.


4. Click on the 'Daftar' button to submit the user’s information, or click on the ‘Reset’ button to reset the user’s information.

Note: Successfully registered users need to check their email to get their default password. Then, log in to the system using the default password provided, and change the password to a new one.

Before making the application you need to do the following:

1. Create a profile for yourself.


2. Next, for your spouse and your child.


3. Afterwards, follow the next steps below.

How to Register Your Child for Standard 1

Log In and Update Details

1. Go to https://idme.moe.gov.my/. Both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are acceptable browsers.

2. Click on 'Aplikasi' on the left side of the webpage.



3. Click on 'Pengurusan Awam'. You will be directed to the official MOEIS site.

4. On the left side of the dashboard, you will find 'Pengurusan Profil'. Click on this. Next, complete the fields for each of the drop down options.

5. Click on 'Maklumat Peribadi' and fill in your own details. Then, click on ‘Maklumat Pasangan' and fill in your spouse's details.



6.  Once you're done with both, click on 'Simpan' at the bottom of the page.

7. After you've done that, do the same for your child. Click on ‘Maklumat Anak Jagaan' and fill in the details required.



8. If your child's name is not on the list, click on 'Tambah Anak/Jagaan' to create a profile for them.

9. Fill in the fields with the correct details and click 'Simpan' at the bottom of the page once done.

Make the Application

Once you’ve updated the profiles, now it’s time to put in your child’s official application for Standard 1!

There are four steps in total in the online registration process: 'Semakan Profil', 'Pilihan Sekolah', 'Dokumen Sokongan' and 'Perakuan'. Fill in all of these to complete your application.

1. Click on ‘Permohonan Kemasukan' on the dashboard, and then on the 'Rendah Tahap 1' link.



2. You will be redirected to another tab 'Permohonan Tahun Satu KPM''.

3. On the bottom right, click on 'Mohon'.



4. Click 'Seterusnya'. You will be directed to the registration window.

5. Under 'Semakan Profil', make sure all the details (name, address, IC number, etc) are correct. Then, click on 'Seterusnya'.



6. Under 'Pilihan Sekolah', fill in the district, postcode, area and the school of your choice. Then, click 'Seterusnya'.



7. Under 'Dokumen Sokongan', you will need to upload the supporting documents in PDF format: parents’ payslip, parents’ IC, MySejahtera certificate or vaccination card, and marriage certificate. After that, click on 'Seterusnya'.



8. Under 'Perakuan', tick the box that says 'Saya mengaku…' and then click on 'Hantar'.



9. Next, click on 'Cetak Permohonan'. Print two copies for the final registration. You will also need to print two other documents 'Borang Pemeriksaan Kesihatan' and 'Borang Rawatan Pergigiani'. These are provided under 'Cetak Borang'.

10. You’ve successfully completed the online registration!

Wait for the results (it’s not announced yet) and the name of your child’s new school will be given.

Physical Registration and Supporting Documents

After you have completed the online registration for Standard 1 as highlighted above, print out the registration form.

The name of your child’s school will be given on the document.

This is where you must go and send in the registration.

Bring the following supporting documents along during the physical registration process:

1. Registration Form (2 copies)


2. Health Service Approval and Immunisation Form with parent’s signature (original)


3. Child’s Birth Certificate (original and 1 copy)


4. Father’s Identification Card/Passport (original and 1 copy)


5. Mother’s Identification Card/Passport (original and 1 copy)


6. Marriage/Divorce Certificate, if applicable (original and 1 copy)


7. Court Order/Custody Letter, if applicable (original and 1 copy)


8. Latest Utility Bill/Electricity Bill (original or 1 copy)


9. Rental Agreement, if applicable (1 copy)


10. Child’s Immunisation Record with Injection Dates (1 copy)


11. Health Documents/OKU Information, if applicable (original and 1 copy)

Register Your Kids for Standard 1 Today, Parents!

For those parents who are just enrolling their kids into the public school system this year, these instructions will hopefully smoothen the process.

It is always important to take things slow and ensure that all the details are correct before you send out the submission.

And don't forget if you do not like school that is assigned to your child, you can always apply for a change.

With that said, good luck mums and dads during the Standard 1 registration process. Be sure to do it soon ahead of the deadline!

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Columbia Asia Hospital - Petaling Jaya Awarded 'Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative' Gold Plaque by The Ministry of Health Malaysia

Eisya Ereena
March 03, 2025
2 min

Nature’s Finest: NatureLab Tokyo Debuts in Malaysia

Eisya Ereena
March 03, 2025
4 min
NatureLab Tokyo, the renowned Japanese haircare brand founded in 2017, has made its long-anticipated arrival on Malaysian shores.

Known for its unique blend of nature and cutting-edge science, the brand offers a carefully curated line of clean, sustainable, and innovative haircare products designed to cater to diverse hair and scalp needs. 

With its proprietary botanical technology, NatureLab Tokyo harnesses the benefits of nutrient- and antioxidant-rich plant stem cells, leveraging their regenerative qualities to address hair issues at a cellular level while also being phthalate-, paraben-, sulfate-, and cruelty-free. 

From greying, dry or ageing locks to damaged, easily breakable or thinning tresses, the brand’s plant-based products are designed to nourish the scalp for healthy, vibrant, and rejuvenated hair.

NatureLab Tokyo’s core products in Malaysia are tailored to specific hair concerns, with their main highlights being the Saisei サイセイ and Kiseki キセキ lines.

Saisei サイセイ: Rebirth for Your Hair

NatureLab Tokyo Saisei Stress Defense Amino-Acid Shampoo

Inspired by the Japanese word for 'rebirth', the Saisei サイセイ collection is designed to slow and reverse greying and fallout by revitalising hair health.

Formulated after 12 years of research and development, this award-winning, patented formula is clinically proven to reverse hair greying - 73% of men and women who participated in a study observed reduced gray hair after 3 months of consistent use.

The Saisei サイセイ formula features NatureLab Tokyo’s biomimetic peptides, which mimic naturally occurring peptides to revitalise hair follicles and stimulate melanin production.

Enriched with botanical extracts, this delivers a gentle, lightweight treatment that improves scalp health, cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping moisture, and protects natural hair color against environmental stressors such as UV exposure that can affect hair pigmentation and growth.

Follow a simple three-step daily routine with the entire collection: Stress Defense Amino-Acid Shampoo, Restoring Therapy Conditioner, and Biomimetic Peptide Treatment Essence.

With three months of regular use, Saisei サイセイ promises a transformative journey back to fuller, more vibrant hair.

Kiseki キセキ: Miraculous Repair for Damaged Hair

NatureLab Tokyo Kiseki Molecular Repair Leave-in Masque

The Kiseki キセキ collection, named after the Japanese word for 'miracle', introduces an advanced approach to reversing hair damage at a molecular level in just four minutes.

It features the Kiseki (Miracle) Molecular Repair Leave-In Masque, a revolutionary, highly concentrated leave-in treatment that reaches the innermost hair strands to repair damage from bleach, colour treatments, chemicals, heat, and environmental stressors, leaving hair stronger, silkier, softer, bouncier, and more resilient.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected for its restorative properties, some with a long history in herbal and traditional medicines.

Milk thistle seed extract, with its high peptide content and low molecular weight, ensures the formula can penetrate deeply to strengthen hair from within.

Additionally, green tea seed oil helps nourish the scalp, replenish the hair shaft, and promote new, healthy hair growth.

Inspired by its Japanese heritage, the Kiseki キセキ line draws on the rejuvenating scent of the Hinoki Forest.

Fresh citrus, woodsy lavender, sweet incense, and crisp cypress combine to evoke a fragrant, therapeutic experience sure to completely rejuvenate haircare routines.

Sustainable, Restorative Haircare

VIP Speech by Mr Keigo “Tiger” Hishiya, Managing Director, NatureLab, Co. Ltd.

Mr. Keigo 'Tiger' Hishiya, Managing Director of NatureLab Co. Ltd., said, 'At NatureLab Tokyo, our philosophy is 'perfectly imperfect' - bringing together the best of nature and science to target hair troubles at their very root.

Our products are all performance-driven, formulated through in-depth research and development to deliver exceptional results.

We’re also driven by our mission to bring 'strength to humanity' and improve everyday lives, which is why we ensure all our products are safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

We’re excited to offer Malaysians quality haircare solutions that will help them achieve beautiful, healthy hair and embrace their best selves with confidence.'

In addition to the Saisei サイセイ and Kiseki キセキ lines, NatureLab Tokyo’s other collections will also be available in Malaysia, including:

• Perfect Volume: A game-changer for those struggling with flat, thin or limp tresses, this shampoo and conditioner pair adds density, strength, and thickness to hair that stays soft and silky.


• Perfect Repair: Damaged or dyed hair woes are a thing of the past as this collection replenishes moisture, repairs damage and protects strands against future breakage.


• Perfect Clean: A special clarifying scalp scrub that helps cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the scalp for revitalised, radiant locks.

NatureLab Tokyo products are now available nationwide in store and online through its exclusive retailer, Watsons.

They can also be purchased via the Mandom Official Store on Shopee and Lazada. 

For more information, visit their Website or Instagram page. 

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!