Starchild: Malaysian children are happy shoppers at the grocery store.

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 11

Raise your hands if you enjoy pushing the grocery cart in the supermarket. Shopping for food and drinks at the supermarket is fun because children can learn about different types of food they eat, from fruits and vegetables to biscuits and snacks. Children can also discover local exotic fruits such as the snake fruit or buah salak, breadfruit and cherimoya (buah nona).

The next time you follow Mummy to the supermarket, ask her to teach you how to read a label and compare items. And don’t forget to help Mummy list down the items to buy at the supermarket. This will help her save time and prevent her from forgetting important things she needs to get.

Here’s what Starchild readers had to say on the topic, Grocery Shopping.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 3

“I used to sit in the trolley when my parents bought groceries. Now, I stay safe at home instead. I hope I can help my parents push their trolley when I am older, ” says three-year-old Asher Wang Qi Chuen.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Older sibling Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six, says: “I miss grocery shopping with my parents. It has been a long time since I went to a supermarket. My favorite section is the toy section. I also enjoy learning about vegetables and fruits in the fresh produce section.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 5

Five-year-old Claire Yap Jyn Wei writes: “Mummy and I will bring a list of things to buy, including vegetables, apples and ice cream. I enjoy going up and down the escalator to the supermarket.”

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 11, writes: “Grocery shopping gives me the opportunity to learn and see a wide range of food, including fruits, vegetables and health drinks.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 8

Younger sibling Jayden Tan Li Sheng, eight, writes: Grocery shopping is fun because Mummy allows me to choose some of my favourite drinks and snacks. My sister Jodie prefers to buy pastries while I prefer milk and chocolates.”

Erin Sonia Colin, 12

“I usually write down the grocery list for Mummy. Mummy has taught me to separate it into different categories, including fruits and vegetables, beverages and meats. Sometimes, my sister and I sneak in a number of junk food items like chips, marshmallows and carbonated drinks, ” Erin Sonia Colin, 12, says. – Compiled by Sheela Chandran

Find the hidden words.

ITEM: Flowers symbolise beauty and love, and are usually used to mark special occasions like weddings, graduations and birthdays. What is your favourite flower and why do you like it so much? In conjunction with Plant A Flower Day on March 12, Starchild wants you to share some interesting facts about your favourite flower. Don’t forget to send us a drawing, too.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by March 5. Please put “STARCHILD: Flowers” in the subject line of your e-mail. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.

Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address.