Starchild: Malaysian children share why anytime is a good time for milk

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 11

In a world full of amazing superfoods, there is one that stands out for kids' health and growth: Milk! Milk is not just a delicious drink – it is packed with nutrients that help children become strong and intelligent.

Milk is rich in calcium, which is like magic for your bones and teeth. It makes them grow strong. So, drink your milk to have a super smile.

But that's not all. Milk also contains protein, which is essential for building strong muscles. Whether running, jumping, or playing your favourite sports, milk gives you the energy you need to be a superhero on the playground.

Milk is also good for your brain. It contains vitamins and minerals that help you think and remember things better. When you drink milk, you're fueling your brain to learn and explore new ideas.

Even superheroes need a healthy heart – milk can help with that too! It contains nutrients that keep your heart strong and healthy, pumping blood throughout your body.

According to the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines, children should consume between one and three servings of milk and milk products daily. So, kids, remember to include milk in your daily diet. It's a superfood that helps you grow taller, run faster, and think smarter.

Milk Day is celebrated annually on June 1. Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Milk Day.

Chuah Seng Koon, 7

Seven-year-old Chuah Seng Koon thinks Milk Day is a day when humans can show gratitude to cows. "Milk is my favourite dairy product. My favourite kinds of milk are chocolate milk and soya milk. Milk also helps us to strengthen our bones. Funny thing was that I just realised that chocolate milk isn't produced from 'brown' cows! The thought of it makes me laugh. How silly!"

Lim Sheng Hao, 10, makes it a point to have a glass of milk before going to school. "At night, I will also make sure that I drink a glass of milk during my bedtime to help me sleep better. Milk is also a very important part of a baby's diet. Adults sometimes add some milk into their coffee. A frother can be used to make foamy milk. Do you know Milk Day is celebrated to commemorate the first time bottles of sterilised milk were delivered in the United States?"

Wong Jie Ern, 7

"I drink milk every day and night before bed. My favourite milk is papaya milk, made from blended papaya and milk. Papaya milk provides us with vitamins and nutrients. It tastes so good. I love papaya milk so much," writes seven-year-old Wong Jie Ern.

"Milk is one of my favorite drinks. I take a cup before school every day. It is nutritious and keeps me full. l enjoy it plain, with cereals as well as in smoothies. I blend milk with avocado and banana to get a delicious smoothie," says Asher Wang Qi Chuen, five.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 5

Older sister Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, eight, writes: "I take milk daily for the calcium and vitamins. It is good for my growing bones and gives me strong teeth. I enjoy food and drinks made with milk, like bubble milk tea, pancakes, cookies and smoothies. I prefer flavoured milk."

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 8

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 11, writes: "Everyday before I go to school, I will drink a cup of hot milk or hot chocolate milk. It can keep my body warm and energetic. Milk has a lot of nutrients, especially calcium, Vitamin B and protein. I also enjoy eating cereal with milk. It's a healthy start to my day."

ITEM: Have you tried doodling? It is a spontaneous form of drawing that involves creating small, repetitive, and simple sketches or patterns. It can be done on paper, notebooks, or even digitally. Contrary to the belief that doodling is a distraction, doodling can improve focus and concentration. This week, Starchild wants readers to send in their doodles. It can range from animals, flowers to food.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by June 23. Please put "STARCHILD: Doodles" in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address.