The Importance of Cultural Sensitivity: How to Raise a Global Thinker

Zakwan Shah
November 19, 2024
5 min
Humans have evolved on various continents over thousands of years in various tribes, communities and civilisations.

We have formed cities and nations, and created cultures from our collective ways of life. Cultures that continue to change as the world becomes more and more accustomed to different ideas, opinions and beliefs.

And yet there is still much division and conflict among peoples.

But no matter what our skin colour may be, we are all human beings who share a planet together.

And that is a priceless lesson to teach our kids.

This brings us to the topic of cultural sensitivity.



If people are more aware and accepting of other people's differences, then maybe there would less turmoil in the world.

After all, isn't it the wish of every parent for their future generations and descendants to grow up in paradise free of war and hatred? Where everyone loves and respects one another regardless of their way of life?

If that is so, then perhaps teaching our kids a little more about cultural sensitivity may just ensure this bright future for many years to come.

Cultural Sensitivity: The Remedy for a Divided World

Cultural sensitivity is the understanding, acknowledgement and acceptance of different and similar cultures without judgement or bias.

And without assigning value such as good or bad, better or worse, etc.

Sounds easy, right? Perhaps not.

When people talk about culture they will often mention the superficial elements: language, tradition, cuisine, fashion, rituals, etc.

But there is so much more to culture like religion, rule of law, power distance, gender equality, human rights and family dynamics.



It can be hard to deny that some nations practice supremacist, misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic cultures. It can be harder to expose a child to that.

There are also countries that practice oppressive and authoritarian regimes that can often be cruel and unjust.

But perhaps there is still a way for you to turn these examples into a teachable moment.

No child is born out of the womb as racists and xenophobes. They are not born with the instinct to hate and fear 'The Others'.

Chances are high any prejudice that you may have as an adult are a result of upbringing and societal influence that you experienced when you were young.



However, parents are slowly starting to recognise and rectify their internal racism and bigotry, if any.

But while it can be hard for an adult to un-learn their upbringing, this doesn't mean we can't raise our kids to be better.

How to Raise a Global Thinker

Expose Your Kids to Various Cultures

The quickest and easiest way to instil cultural sensitivity in your kids is to expose them to some positive media portrayal of other societies and cultures.

Not just local ones but international ones as well.

This can include tv shows, movies, novels, magazines, and of course books.

Here's a list of the best children's books about inclusivity and gender identity that you should definitely buy for your kids.

Any intellectual material that can help them learn a few things about not just the culture of other nations and societies, but their struggles and issues as well.

Certain media are easier and faster to consume than others. Textual or reading material may require an older child with a higher thinking capacity than a younger one who may enjoy cartoons more.

So, adjust your learning tools accordingly.

Avoid the 'Black and White' Argument

Nothing in this world is truly black and white, or good and evil. This is simply the truth that comes with learning about life.

Many of us may be accustomed to seeing our own beliefs and as the 'right' one or the true one.

But this is also why we have extremists and supremacists organisations.

So, when exploring other points of view that is not our own, it's easy to fall into the trap of 'We're better than them'.

Instead, point out the problems that those nations are experiences and what's causing them.

Try to be as impartial as you can when informing your kids about hate crimes, oppressive laws and political conflicts.

But again, promote positive values and renounce negative ones.

If you were to highlight the good and bad of a culture, make sure it's balanced. Each con must be accompanied by a pro.

Ask for Their Feedback

It's not enough to simply show your child to other cultures.

You also need to get their juices flowing, really probe their critical thinking. Especially if they're old enough to form their own original thoughts.

One not coloured by their prejudices.

Get your child to form their own arguments and opinions about controversial topics regarding culture, even their own.

Ask questions that start deep and meaningful conversations about ethnicity and religion and custom.

While it's important to give your child freedom in what they belief, it's of course not wrong to point them in the wrong direction.

Racism, for instance, is quite rife in many countries and should be discouraged in the home.

Many Leaves, One Tree

There is not one person on the planet that is quite like the next. Even if they do belong to the same race, religion or country.

But as diverse and as separated as we are geographically and ethnically, we can all trace our origin back to a single ancestor—the biological 'Adam' of our species.

And it can be both beautiful and mind-boggling to contemplate on how vast and old the human race is.

But it's also tragic that we've survived a millennia of just for it to be undone by bigotry, intolerance and prejudice.

After all, most, if not all, wars start out the same way: ignorance.

While many cultures in the world may be problematic, it's important not to impose our own beliefs on others.

Because the best way to promote positive cultural values isn't through shame or intimidation. It's through understanding and acceptance.

And if more of our younger generation embrace each other for their differences, we are on our way to brighter, more tolerant future sooner than we realise.

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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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Breastfeeding Preemies: All You Need to Know

Asmu'i Azmi
August 03, 2022
3 min
Caring for preemies requires meticulous, super-handy care due to their small and delicate bodies.

If you’re a mother to one, you must be eagerly waiting for your little bundle of joy to grow.

One way to ensure that your underweight baby is nourished and will start to gain that adorable chubbiness is to breastfeed or provide breast milk.

Nursing a preemie can be difficult due to their small size. They may not be able to suckle your breast if you are born too early, either.

However, don't let that stop you from giving them the best nutrition possible.

You can try to express your milk and give it to your baby via a feeding tube or tiny bottle. The hospital would typically provide these to you, specifically for preemie babies.

There's no denying that breast milk is known for the amazing benefits it provides to growing babies.

But did you know your breast milk will be extra special for preemies?

Yes! It is an efficient way to improve your little one’s health, growth, and development.

Premature babies have immature digestive systems, and breastmilk is ideal for their tiny bellies.

Other benefits of breastfeeding preemies include the following:

Suited to Your Premature Baby’s Nutritional Requirements

Image credit: Canva

According to the Raising Children Network (Australia), if you give birth prematurely, your milk will be slightly different from milk at term.

Since preemies require more proteins for growth than term babies do, your colostrum will contain more protein in comparison.

Lysozyme, an enzyme that combats specific bacteria, will be present in greater amounts in your breastmilk.

Your baby will be protected from infections thanks to lysozyme. Your breastmilk will also be higher in fat and lower in lactose.

This is because lactose is hard for premature babies to digest.

Provide Skin-to-Skin Contact with Your Premature Baby

Image credit: Canva

If your baby is healthy and ready to be held, spend time cradling your child against your skin.

This is also known as 'kangaroo care'.

This method can also make breastfeeding easier and increase milk supply.

The best part is that babies who receive kangaroo care from their mothers tend to breastfeed better, sleep better, and healthily gain weight.

Moreover, a world-first study found that holding a premature baby in skin-to-skin contact improves the baby's heart and brain functions. This study provides scientific evidence and rationale for why kangaroo care improves the infant's heart rhythm and neurodevelopment.

Immunological Benefits in Fighting Infection

Some of the most significant advantages of breastfeeding a premature baby include strengthening the immune system.

This is because most preemies are at risk for infections that can occasionally be very serious.

Infants can avoid minor to severe infections thanks to the variety of disease-fighting agents found in breastmilk. These components are more prevalent in preterm milk.

In addition, infants who receive breastmilk have a greatly reduced risk of developing diarrhoea and are much less likely to develop a serious digestive disease.

There are also fewer GI, respiratory, ear, and urinary infections in babies who are fully or nearly fully breastfed.

It also applies to those who receive expressed breastmilk after they leave the hospital.

Preemies Can Easily Digest Breast Milk

Image credit: Canva

Your breast milk is the easiest food for your baby to digest, as it was designed by nature for babies.

Compared to digesting formula, your baby can break down your milk more fully and with less energy.

Therefore, the nutrients, anti-infection agents, and other components in your milk are more readily available to fuel your baby's body and support growth and development.

Breastfeeding Provides Cognitive Benefits

Image credit: Canva

Studies have shown that breastfeeding enhances the mother-infant bond and fosters cognitive development in infants. The analysis indicated that infants had better cognitive development (MDI score) when they were breastfed ≥ 9 months from years 1–3 after birth.

This suggests that babies who receive breast milk early in life have better cognitive functioning as toddlers.

Besides that, infants who were breastfed when they were born prematurely still have higher IQ scores than those who weren't. This extends even to when they are 7 1/2 to 8 years old.

Mum Benefits from Breastfeeding Too

You are now aware that breast milk provides a variety of health benefits to your premature baby.

But you should also know that breastfeeding has advantages for you, too. Mummies may achieve their pre-pregnancy weight sooner thanks to breastfeeding!

Breastfeeding's additional caloric burn and the hormones it produces also hasten the uterus' return to its previous size.

Furthermore, according to the American Diabetes Association, breastfeeding can reduce a mother's risk of some chronic diseases.

These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

Nonetheless, whether you choose to breastfeed or not is a personal decision, and only you can determine what is best for you and your little one.

You've got this, mummies!

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5 Kota Damansara Cafés to Chill Out At

Michelle Chee
August 04, 2022
4 min
Kota Damansara is a neighbourhood that is located towards the north of Petaling Jaya. It's a rather lively and vibrant suburb, with a relatively youthful population. As such, cafes are abundant here.

Finding Kota Damansara cafés is therefore relatively easy, especially if you love café hopping and trying out various coffees, beverages and unique meals these eateries have to offer. Consequently, here are our top picks for Kota Damansara cafés near you:

Bean Brothers, Sunway Damansara

Image credit: Bean Brothers Facebook page

Bean Brother's is a Kota Damansara café that's rich in industrial design elements. Therefore, you can expect plenty of steel, bare bulbs and glass here. They have an open kitchen concept, so you can see your food and drinks being prepared no matter where you sit in the café.

The highlights here are their pour over coffee, whereby you can choose from several house blends like Sunset: Seasonal Blend and #239 Ethiopia Guji Uraga Zelalem Alemu. Additionally, they also have an extensive menu with pasta, croissant sandwiches, burgers and more to go with your coffee.

Address: Jalan PJU 3/50, Sunway Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybeanbrothers/
Website: http://www.beanbrothers.my/
Opening hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Dreamz Bakery and Café

Image credit: Dreamz Bakery Facebook page

When it comes to dainty tea and cakes, nobody does it quite like Dreamz Bakery. In brief, you'll be treated to visually stunning pastel-coloured cakes that look as sweet as they taste. For example, you can have the sweet pink Strawberry Vanilla Checkerboard Cake, pastel purple Yam Cake, or cute Mandarin Orange Shortcake.

Additionally, they also have full meal options including the Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, Lemon Sauce Chicken Rice and Homemade Soy Sauce Chicken Leg Set, so you can have full meals here too. Subsequently, you can pair your cakes with one their hot milk teas, which include flavours like chamomile, peppermint and lavender.

Address: No 32-1, The Strand, Jalan PJU 5/20D, Pusat Perdagangan Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamzBakery181210
Opening hours: Sundays to Mondays, 12:00 p.m. - 7 p.m., Closed on Tuesdays.

The Picnic Table by Simply Sandwiches

Image credit: Simply Sandwiches Facebook page

Simply Sandwiches started out as a catering business. However, their sandwiches were so loved that they were able to open a dine-in outlet. Their sandwiches include flavours like Garlic Butter Prawn, Grilled Chicken and Sautéed Mushrooms.

Additionally, you can also find grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps and pastas on their menu. Expect a casual interior, decorated to look like an outdoor picnic spot, complete with grassy carpets.

Address: 62A-G Jalan PJU 5/21, The Strand, Kota Damansara,47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Website: https://www.simplysandwiches4u.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplySandwiches/
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m; Weekends, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Closed on Mondays.

Stars Picker Audio Café

Image credit: Stars Picker Café Facebook page

Here's a café with a significant difference. Stars Picker is specifically catered to music lovers, and is actually attached to a business selling audio equipment like headphones. As such, you'll be given a chance to try out headphones and listen to music at your table. Furthermore, there are vinyl records and cassettes for you to play as well.

Stars Picker serves vegetarian/vegan food. Therefore, some of the items you should try include the Giant XL Mushroom Chop, Salted Egg Yolk Carbonara and Homemade Yong Tau Fu. Additionally, you can pair your food with milkshakes, iced desserts, cakes, cold drinks and more.

Address: 37-1, Jalan PJU 5/20E, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starspickeraudiocafe
Opening hours: Sundays to Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Closed on Wednesdays.

Wú Coffee Gallery

Image credit: Wu Facebook page

Wú Café functions on the principles of open space and minimalist designs. Sometimes, less is more; and here, the muted colours here really give off a calming vibe.

Many people come here for their Japanese inspired menu, which includes ramen, Gyoza dumplings and Donburi rice bowls. Do feel free to pair your food with any of their freshly brewed coffees, especially their Gula Melaka Latte and Signature Dirty Coffee.

Address: 38-2, Jalan PJU 5/11, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wucoffee.gallery/
Opening hours: Sundays to Mondays, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Closed on Tuesdays.

Indulge Yourself

To sum up, you can always find good food, coffee and more anywhere in Kota Damansara. These places that we've listed will help you with where to start but you'll soon find many more cool Kota Damansara cafés to hang out at and take a much-needed break.

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AskMeDoctor! Season 4 Episode 9: Fever in Babies & Kids: When to Hit the Panic Button?

Zakwan Shah
July 04, 2022
5 min
Fevers are common among children, but new parents can be extra anxious when it happens to their newborns. After all, babies are still small and fragile and may not be able to handle a fever the way an older child can. New parents may panic if their baby is running a temperature. They may not know what to do. Thankfully, there are ways that a new parent can safely and calmly monitor their baby's condition at home and take the appropriate steps to helping their little one on the road to recovery.



In this episode of AskMeDoctor!, we have Dr Chin Wai Seong, a Paediatrician from Dr. Chin Child Specialist Clinic, to help educate young parents on what to do when their baby has a fever.

Q1: What is the first thing that I should do if my child has a fever?

Dr Chin: First of all, when you suspect your child has a fever (feverish body, crankiness, crying), you should make sure that it's actually a fever. How? Not by using your hand, but with a reliable thermometer. There are many methods and types of thermometers, like the forehead thermometer, the ear thermometer and the classic thermometer that goes under the armpit or under the tongue. It's important to know the advantages and disadvantages for each type of thermometer.



But I think for home use, the most economical choice would be the ear thermometer. But parents must know how to properly use it. So, the first thing that parents should do is to verify that it's a fever. You know, it could be a false fever, which could be caused by dehydration or being out in the hot sun while outdoors. Or it could be the mother's hand that feels warm. So, I always urge parents or families with children to always have a thermometer at home all the time.

Q2: Is it true that 37.1°C to 37.8°C are low-grade fevers and I should not be worried?

So when it comes to body temperature, 37.5°C and above is considered a fever. So that means 37.6°C. Then when the fever comes to 38°C, that’s what we call a moderate fever. Meaning 37.6°C to 37.9°C is considered a low-grade fever. Once the body temperature reaches 38°C, 38°C to 38.9°C, this is called a moderate fever. So once the temperature reaches 39°C, that’s what we call a high-fever.

Q3: When should I be worried? At what temperature and after how many days of my child having a fever?

A fever is usually highest during the first two days of the infection. Your immune system recognises an unknown enemy attacking your body and it's trying to fight back. As long as the child is active and not dehydrated, then it's okay. Some clues to look for is that they still have a lot of saliva, passing a lot of urine, and not cranky and irritable. You can hold on first. If the fever has not reduced by day three, then it's time to worry.



If by day five and the fever doesn't settle, then it's probably a viral fever and you can let the child fight with their own immune system first. But if after day five and the fever is still there, that's when you should see a doctor. Especially if they are showing signs of dehydration, meningitis, drowsiness, crying or other symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea. So if you are planning to be parents, you must be equipped with some basic knowledge on how to tackle common children's illnesses. Fever after all is not an illness but a symptom of an underlying condition which must be treated. 

Q4: What kinds of drinks and food should I feed my child when she is having a fever?

When our child is fighting off an infection, their whole system will be a bit slower. This includes the digestive system. If your child is experiencing a fever, they may experience loss of appetite which is normal. So don’t be too worried if your child doesn’t eat the whole day. They still have glucose from their fats and other tissues to supply glucose for energy. However, you still need to monitor their water intake and make sure they get plenty of hydration. You can be lenient with their beverage choices as long as they are consuming liquid. But I must discourage canned drinks, especially carbonated ones. 



When our body is fighting off a fever, we tend to get bloated. Our digestive system is working a little slower and may not be able to digest food well. So if you give your child carbonated drinks, or let them drink too fast, while they're fighting a fever, they may vomit. But as far as drink preferences goes, fruit juices, yoghurt drinks, herbal teas, etc, are okay. And it does not need to just be drinks either. If your baby is old enough for solid food, watery foods like rice porridge and cereal with milk (soft diet) will suffice.

But in general, they need to consume more liquids, small amounts at regular intervals. This is especially important to prevent dehydration. One way to detect dehydration is to check your baby's saliva and diapers. If your baby has a fever but has a dry mouth and has not urinated for over 4 to 5 hours, then it's not a good sign.

Q5: How many days should I expect for the fever to go away completely?

Generally speaking, I will advise parents to monitor the fever. It's important to remember that your body temperature will fluctuate when you have a fever. It goes up and down like a roller coaster. So, you must go along with the fever like a rollercoaster. That said, parents shouldn't treat fever medicine like a cure, because it's not. The fever will reduce and increase, so your fever management must align with these changes. Parents should give the appropriate dose of oral medicine when needed. 



A fever will generally come down after the third day. There should be less spiking during this time. By day four or five the fever should settle completely. If the fever has not reduced by this time, you should take your baby to see a doctor where they will do further investigation and checking. So in conclusion, day five is a critical point.

Having said that, if the parents suspect the child has other symptoms like meningitis, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhoea, cannot drink and if the child is unreasonably crying or cranky, then it's best to see a doctor immediately. You shouldn't wait until the fifth day.

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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!

5 Things to Teach Your Kids About Body Care

Asmu'i Azmi
July 11, 2022
4 min
Teaching your children about their bodies and how to care for them is an important part of their upbringing. This is essential to ensure that your children grow into healthy, well-rounded adults who value personal hygiene.

It is best to begin at a young age so that your children realise the importance of taking care of their bodies and learning to be independent. They will understand their responsibilities and how to practice good personal hygiene as they grow older and mature.

Setting a routine is an excellent way for children to develop good habits in personal body care. It should include cleaning the skin as well as caring for the mouth, teeth, hair, hands, feet, and nails. Plus, their bodies perform better when they are clean and healthy.

Here are five different types of care that children should be aware of to maintain good health and proper body function:

Brush and Floss for Oral Care

Image credit: Canva

Brushing with the right toothbrush and toothpaste, followed by flossing, will help keep your kids' teeth and gums clean. Kids need to know that oral care is vital for them to have healthy teeth with fewer cavities and less plaque build-up.

Eat Nutritious Food

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“You are what you eat”. Children must learn to eat a balanced diet that includes foods from all food groups, including dairy, fruits and vegetables, grains, and proteins. This ensures that their bodies receive the necessary vitamins and minerals. They must also limit their sugar intake and drink plenty of water.

Ensure Clean Body and Hair

Image credit: Canva

Kids must clean their bodies by bathing or showering. Teach them how to properly wash their entire bodies, from head to toe, as well as their faces and hair. It is also very important to use ideal bath products that is suitable for children's skin, like NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo.

This NIVEA bath product is especially developed for kid’s skin and comes in two sweet fruity scents, making bathing fun for your children! Its calming yet lively fragrances will entice your kids more, making them look forward to bathing sessions:

• NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo – Sparkle berry scent leaves your child's hair and body soft and refreshed while smelling deliciously of berries.

• NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo – Magic apple scent leaves your child's skin smooth and rejuvenated, with a fresh green apple scent.

Image credit: azlinanasri's Instagram

Here are other reasons why NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo is perfect for your kids' daily use:

1. Soft cream formula with Bio Aloe Vera and Chamomile to protect from tears


2. Hair conditioner to ensure easy hair combing


3. Skin-friendly pH with 0% Alcohol and no added colourants


4. Tested by dermatologists and paediatricians

Both NIVEA Kids products have proven to be excellent for kids. As per reviews on Try and Review, 100% of 73 mums agreed that NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo has a fruity scent that kids like, and 98% agreed that the product gently cleanses their kids' delicate skin. And as of 1st June 2022, it has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Image credit: stilanordin's Instagram

Get Enough Sleep

Image credit: Canva

It is extremely crucial that children get enough sleep because a lack of quality sleep increases their risk of developing a variety of diseases and disorders. According to studies, children who get an adequate amount of regularly have better attention, behaviour, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health.

Exercise Regularly

Image credit: Canva

Find ways to keep kids active, such as taking them to the playground, for a walk or run, swimming, or any other physical activity. Exercise will help them maintain a healthy heart, strengthen their bones, stay in shape, and improve their thinking process. It's also a fun way to spend quality time together.

Enhance Body Care with NIVEA BABY Products

Now that your children have a clean and healthy body, they must ensure that their skin remains moisturised. NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion will work wonders for this because it will help to hydrate dry skin caused by our country's harsh and unpredictable weather.

NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion is suitable for daily use and gentle on your children's skin. The lotion has several beneficial properties, including:

• Contains natural ingredient like Aloe Vera, which help to moisturise and soften the skin


• Skin-friendly formulation with 0% paraben and 0% colourant


• Co-developed by paediatricians and dermatologists

What’s more this product is trusted by 99%* mums!

*99% agreed that they trust using NIVEA BABY because it’s free of parabens and colorants. Survey conducted between 15/8/18 and 26/10/18 with 241 Home Testers.

Complete Bath Time with NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo

Image credit: Canva

Bath time is super important for your children to learn how to care for their bodies while also allowing them to relax and unwind. Make bath time fun and relaxing for your kids with NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo with Bio Aloe Vera.

Buy it now on Shopee or at any Watson's store near you!

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