Starchild: Malaysian children share tips on being less forgetful

Suvethika Mathyarasan, 11

Do you sometimes forget to do your homework, feed your pet or do your chores? Or maybe sometimes you forget to pack your lunch or even your homework in your school bag. That, unfortunately, could land you in a pickle!

It’s not unusual to be forgetful every now and then however, did you know that health experts suggest that eating a healthy diet, sleeping well and getting organised are ways to improve our memory.

Here’s what Starchild writers had to say on the topic, Forgetful.

Ayza Arina Abdul Majid, 10

Ayza Arina Abdul Majid, 10, has forgotten to complete her homework and house chores numerous times. “I came up with a simple method. Whenever my parents ask me to run an errand, I will tie a rubber band around my wrist. More rubber bands mean there are many things that I need to remember. By the end of the day, I will ensure I have no more hair ties on my hand and this does seem to make me less forgetful.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 4

“Music and singing can help me improve my memory. Singing the ABC song frequently helps me to remember my alphabets better,” writes Asher Wang Qi Chuen, four.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

I think besides writing down what I need to do on a paper, having sufficient sleep everyday is important too. A well rested body will produce an alert mind to help me remember things better, says Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six.

“One day, I forgot to bring my colour pencils to school. Luckily, my friend Dom lent me his colour pencils. I appreciated Dom’s help. From now onwards, I will help all my friends,” says Wong Zhi Ying, seven.

Florence Chan Zi Hsuan, 7

Seven-year-old Florence Chan Zi Hsuan is sad that she’s left her toys at her grandmother’s home. “I am not always forgetful, but I forgot to bring my Tsum Tsum toys home from my grandma’s house last week. Next time, I will remind myself to check my bag before going home.”

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12, always makes to-do lists to prevent forgetfulness in doing essential tasks. “Sometimes, I will write my planned tasks on my table calendar and the whiteboard. Making time for exercise is great for our minds and bodies. It helps to stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and sharpen my memory.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 9

“To have a good memory, we need to eat a healthy diet with food that can boost our brain and memory. I try to go to bed early because sleeping helps strengthen our memory. Besides, aerobic exercises like running and swimming can improve our overall health too,” writes younger brother Jayden Tan Li Sheng, nine.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 6

“My drawing is about a girl who is forgetful. She forgets many things including drinking water! Her mother has to constantly remind her to hydrate herself,” says Claire Yap Jyn Wei, six.

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 9

Older sibling Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, nine, says: “Everyone forgets stuff. Even intelligent people can forget things. Today, I forgot to practise the piano because I was reading and playing. And yesterday, I forgot to clip my nails. If you want to remember stuff, you can write it down so you can check it.”

Chuah Seng Koon, six, writes: “I have forgotten my school bag on the school bench. My teacher rang home and I got a fierce scolding from my aunt. I have also forgotten to complete my Chinese homework. Oh dear, am I going to be called Mr Forgetful Seng Koon?”

“I will sometimes put sticky notes of my To-Do List on the fridge so that I do not forget to do my laundry and other chores,” says Victoria Liew Yen Yi, nine.

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: Children love waffles because they taste delicious, especially when eaten with fruits and ice cream. Waffle Day is celebrated in Denmark on March 25. People celebrate this special day by eating waffles with different types of toppings. What are some of your favourite toppings? Do you prefer them with peanut butter, fruits or honey? Or do you like savoury waffles with sausages and eggs?

Send us a drawing with your letter, titled All About Waffles. All letters must carry your full name, age (open to children 12 and below only), gender, e-mail, phone contact and address.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by March 3. Please put “STARCHILD: Waffles” 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.