13 Things Every Malaysian Mother Will Nag to Her Children Growing Up

Growing up in an Asian household, most of us had to face the strictest parents. As annoying as it was back then, we soon realise when we’re older that these were all understandable things that a parent needed to say to their child. So here are some of the things we all grew up hearing… on repeat!

1. “See, didn’t listen to me, that’s why you fell sick.”

The ‘didn’t listen to me’ part could be anything from accusing you of not drinking enough water, to not sleeping early enough, playing too much computer games or anything under the sun basically. In short, it’s always our own fault for falling sick. T_T

2. “Your cousin can get so many A’s, why you cannot?”

The Asian kaisu-ness shows up every time exam results are out. They start calculating how many A’s you have and compare it to your cousins, their friend’s children, even their friend’s friend’s children!

3. “Do you know what time it is now??”

When we reach a certain age, we start going out more, usually to lepak with our friends. Of course, parents are always concerned for our safety so they’ll remind us countless times not come home too late. And if it’s almost past your curfew, you know your phone is going to ring at any second and your mom will start questioning you on whether you’re keeping track of time.

4. “Everything I say to you, goes in one ear and comes out the other.”

Source: Flickr

We were all young and stupid once. We did not want to listen to our nagging parents and always thought we knew better. Oh boy, were we so very wrong!

5. “Told you so many times already. If you kena, don’t come find me.”

This is our parents’ last resort when we misbehave over and over again just because we want to explore the world and we don’t mind making some mistakes. Sorry mom and dad for not listening before!

6. “I’m doing this for your own good. You’ll thank me when you grow up.”

And several years later, we realise they’re right. Whatever she did or said was because she loves us. You know what they say, “Mommy knows best!”

7. “Better study hard for your upcoming exam so you can have a bright future.”

Over the years, we’ve heard this COUNTLESS times. It has been engraved into our brains that A’s = good future, because almost every mother out there wants their child to be a doctor or lawyer.

8. “Why does no one ever help me in the kitchen?”

We probably don’t help out in the kitchen as much as we should, but when we do try to help, we often get typical mom comebacks like “go out, go out, you’ll make a bigger mess in here”. How like that?

9. “See, told you not to do things at the last minute.”

Most of us are very last minute people hence, the infamous term ‘Malaysian timing’. Not our moms though. They want to make sure that we grow up to become the responsible, mature adults we can be. Love you mom!

10. “Did you remember to bring your keys, wallet, phone???”

Our mom is someone we know we can count on. Even before leaving the house, they’d be sure to nag us some more, making sure we have everything we need – even though we may well be over 20+ years old!

11. “How many times must I tell you to clean your room?”

We are pretty fortunate – having a room that we can make a mess of, with all the stuff mom and dad bought for us. And every time our moms tell us to clean our room, we respond with an “okay”, but let’s be honest, we don’t really mean that and will probably leave our rooms dirty for another few days, or until she decides to clean it up for us!

12. “Finish your food! Do you know there are kids in Africa who are starving?”

And it’s not just kids in Africa, there are a lot of less privileged kids in our very own country that have to starve everyday, and yet we take what we have for granted.

13. “You don’t have any clothes at home that you can wear already is it?”

We always want new things, especially clothes. But mom will always give us the ultimate comeback – whether we still have clothes to wear at home. Yes, we have a wardrobe full of clothes, but that never seemed to satisfy us! Wanna look good mah.

Unfortunately, not all children in Malaysia have the ‘luxury’ of having a parent lecture them or teach them right from wrong, nor were they able to be spoilt with little occasional treats. There are children growing up without a mom or a dad, and some who are orphans.

So the next time you get angry at mom (or dad) for nagging you, especially for taking the things you have for granted, remember there are kids out there who would give anything to be in your position.

So, this Ramadan let’s not forget about the less privileged children who may not have such luxury.

If you have a bunch of pre-loved books and stationery at home, you can play your part by giving these children new or used books and stationery that are in good condition! You won’t be doing it alone.

This 12 to 18 June, Grab is partnering with PETRONAS to help you bring joy to the kids around you by picking up and delivering your preloved or new items for free or, you can choose to drop them off yourself at selected PETRONAS stations.

Here’s how:

1. Download their app here.
2. Gather at least 5 new or preloved books and stationery for kids between ages 4 and 12.
3. Launch the Grab app and click on the #DeliveringHappyness icon
4. Book a Grab to pick them up for FREE anytime between 10am and 6pm
5. Or drop it off yourself at selected Petronas Stations here.

So what are you waiting for? Join us in #DeliveringHappyness to the children of Malaysia today! Give them the ability to imagine and explore new worlds and opportunities through reading and writing materials! Pre-Raya spring cleaning has never been this rewarding. Find out more here!