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FOR generations, the traditional Asian style of parenting has been anchored in practical care, strict discipline and academic achievement.
While love is rarely absent, it is often expressed through actions – a warm meal on the table, quiet sacrifices or firm boundaries – rather than open conversations about feelings.
Emotional expression and vulnerable dialogues have historically taken a back seat, leaving many children unsure how to voice their inner struggles, anxieties or physical discomforts.
However, child health experts highlights that shifting from a directive approach to one grounded in open communication is essential for a child's long-term wellbeing.
At a recent Fireside Chat discussion in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Wan Asyikin Wan Azlan highlighted that establishing an open line of communication early on builds a vital emotional safety net.
"Very often, we focus on the practical aspects of raising a child, but miss out on their emotional wellbeing," Dr Wan Asyikin said, advocating for a "connect then correct" approach to parenting.
She urged parents to make checking in a daily habit rather than a sporadic effort.
"Ask your child how they are feeling and do not make it a one-off thing, make it a routine. Even if you get a neutral response, you are keeping the door open so they know someone cares. Remember, all emotions are valid, though not all behaviours are acceptable and kids will ultimately mirror us," she said.
Echoing the importance of presence, SJMC consultant paediatrician Dr Sanjay Woodhull noted that building these communicative bonds does not require grand gestures, but consistent, intentional moments.
He suggested making family mealtimes non-negotiable and reserving just 10 minutes at the end of the day for a bedtime routine.
"A bedtime story does not even need to be from a book – it can be a personal experience shared with the lights off," Dr Sanjay explained, emphasising that shared moments create safe spaces for children to digest complex concepts and express themselves freely.
To help bridge this gap between complex health topics and a child's emotional world, SJMC has partnered with play-based family engagement platform The Nurts to launch The Nurts Tales: Growing Strong, Inside and Out.
Created for children aged four to eight years old, the storybook introduces topics such as emotional wellbeing, healthy habits, nutrition, open communication and understanding illness through five relatable stories featuring beloved Nurts characters Zoey, Mia, Liam and Noah, alongside SJMC's mascot, Teddy Paws.
The stories are designed to help children better understand complex health topics while encouraging meaningful conversations at home.
Dr Sanjay believes storytelling plays an important role in helping children understand their health and wellbeing while giving parents the confidence to start conversations that may otherwise feel difficult.
"Children learn best when they are curious and having fun, which is why storytelling is such a powerful way to introduce important health concepts.
"Our paediatricians worked closely with The Nurts to ensure each story reflects topics that families commonly seek guidance on, based on our experience caring for children every day. By translating these real-world health concerns into relatable stories, we hope to equip parents with a practical tool to nurture healthy habits from a young age," he said.
The Nurts co-founder and author Adrian Tan pointed out that children process challenging concepts much more effectively through narrative distance rather than direct confrontation.
"Starting conversations about difficult topics is something every parent faces, especially when it comes to health and wellbeing. Through storytelling, we hope to make those conversations feel more natural and approachable, helping families create safe spaces for understanding, connection and learning.
"When children experience a situation through the eyes of a character rather than an open-ended, on-the-spot question, it feels safe. It creates a bridge between the child and healthcare concepts," Tan said.
Featuring beloved Nurts characters alongside SJMC's mascot, Teddy Paws, the publication goes beyond standard children's fiction by incorporating reflection prompts and discussion guides vetted by medical professionals.
SJMC director of business development, strategy and transformation Joanne Lee, who was herself born at the hospital, highlighted that the collaboration aims to bring health literacy directly into the home, reinforcing the hospital's legacy of caring for multiple generations.
"I have experienced firsthand the care and dedication the hospital has provided to generations of families. This storybook collaboration with The Nurts reflects SJMC's commitment in a new way, bringing health education to life through stories that are engaging, relatable and memorable for children.
"We hope this book sparks curiosity, encourages healthy choices and empowers young readers with the knowledge to build lifelong healthy habits," she said.
To extend its community reach, SJMC is donating copies of The Nurts Tales: Growing Strong, Inside and Out to selected children's non-governmental organisations, alongside kicking off a three-month community book tour across selected bookstores.
The title is now available through major physical bookstores and online via The Nurts platform.
