Malcolm liked being coddled by his sister and his mother. At times, he felt that Maddy was more his mother but she was the one usually there. With Cho working hard to support both children, he didn't see his mother much but whenever she had extended days off, he would try to spend all his time with her. It linked back to the fact this as a little kid, Cho's long work hours made him almost feel abandoned by her at times. Not that Cho didn't reject Malcolm when she was home.
When Madison patted him on the head, Mal beamed but them promptly pouted when she said she was going to start dinner. No, he didn't want to clean! "What are you making for dinner? Maybe I can help!" Nevermind he was a horrible cook.