Page 54 - nhms2016 maternal and child findings

40
National Health And Morbidity Survey 2016 : Maternal And Child Health (MCH) Volume II : Findings

it also seems that the same group of parents spend lesser time than others in spending time with their
children, reading, writing, singing, or playing with them. Parents of lower socioeconomic group
appeared to engage more with their children. Regardless of the socioeconomic background, the most
common playthings among children are store bought toys, as compared to homemade toys or
household objects used as toys. Those from urban areas appear to have better access to books,
while homemade toys are favoured by those in rural areas.

6.4.4. Recommendations

i. There is a need to increase awareness among Malaysian parents on the importance of early
childhood education.

ii. They should also be encouraged to engage with their children from an early age to enable bonding,
help promote learning as well as preparing children for school.

iii. Reading to their children and playing with a variety of playthings should be encouraged in order
to develop cognitive skills of the children.