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Parenting

Articles in the Parenting category.

230 articles
4 min read

New Research Highlights Benefits and Challenges of Having Children Later in Life

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Recent research and personal accounts are challenging traditional beliefs about the “ideal” age for motherhood, as more women worldwide are choosing to start families in their late 30s and early 40s—or, as in a widely shared feature from Business Insider, reflecting on the joys and obstacles of becoming a parent at 37 and 40. This trend, evident in Thailand and globally, is driven by evolving economic, social, and healthcare realities, reshaping the narrative on family planning, women’s health, and the definition of the “right time” for parenthood.

#parenting #maternalage #womenshealth +5 more
5 min read

Unspoken Struggles: New Research Highlights Postpartum Loneliness and Its Far-Reaching Effects

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A growing body of research is shining a spotlight on a deeply personal yet widely shared experience among new mothers—postpartum loneliness. While the joys and challenges of infancy are often discussed openly, the profound sense of isolation that can affect new mothers remains largely unspoken, despite its significant impact on mothers, families, and society as a whole.

For years, the narrative surrounding new motherhood has focused on physical recovery, infant care, and the balance between work and family. However, emerging studies and first-person accounts, such as the insights from a recent feature by Kara Kennedy in the Daily Mail, are revealing that loneliness is an underappreciated but critical factor affecting the wellbeing of new mothers. This isolation—often heightened by lifestyle changes, disrupted sleep, and societal expectations—can contribute to mental health challenges, including postpartum depression and anxiety, as emphasized by several recent studies (source).

#postpartum #newmothers #mentalhealth +5 more
4 min read

Why So Many Birthdays Fall in September: New Data Reveal Social and Seasonal Patterns

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A surge of birthdays in late September has been confirmed once again by the latest analysis of national birth records, reinforcing the widely shared experience among many that they share their special day with classmates and colleagues. This uneven clustering of birthdays sheds light on how family planning, social trends, and even weather patterns intertwine to shape the calendar of our lives.

For Thai readers, understanding these trends presents more than an interesting trivia point—it reflects on how educational outcomes, economic choices, and cultural beliefs about auspicious dates play crucial roles both in the UK and potentially here at home. As parents make decisions about when to have children, the statistical heartbeat of the year is shaped by factors rooted in both tradition and practicality.

#BirthRates #FamilyPlanning #Education +4 more
5 min read

Beyond Blame: New Research Challenges the Notion That Parents Alone Drive Children's Criminal Choices

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Recent insights from leading experts are shaking up long-held assumptions about the roots of youth delinquency, emphasizing that parental influence—while crucial—is not the sole factor determining whether children turn to crime. At a parent support meeting hosted by the Ammar Empowerment Network, a management professor from the University of the West Indies argued that society is too quick to blame parents for their children’s misdeeds, overlooking the complex interplay of environment, peer influence, and broader social context (“Parents ‘not always at fault’”, Nation News, July 2025).

#parenting #youthcrime #Thailand +6 more
6 min read

The Challenges and Strengths of Raising Generation Alpha: New Research and Real-World Reflections

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Raising Generation Alpha, children born between 2010 and 2024, has become one of the most hotly debated topics among parents, educators, and researchers worldwide. Sparked anew by a recent firsthand essay in Spiked and reinforced by major new findings from Thai and global scholars, the reality of parenting in this digital, progressive, and complex era defies simple stereotypes. With Thai families encountering both unique opportunities and daunting dilemmas, the question of how best to nurture the youngest cohort remains deeply relevant and, at times, fraught.

#GenerationAlpha #Parenting #ThaiEducation +7 more
4 min read

Navigating Teen Boundaries: When Adolescents Cross Intimate Parental Lines

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A recent wave of parental discussion has emerged following a widely read advice column in Slate, in which a parent described the unsettling discovery that their teenage child had stolen a personal, “intimate” item from them. The incident, and the conflicting parental responses it generated, spotlight crucial questions at the intersection of adolescent development, privacy, consent, and healthy family communication—challenges familiar to Thai families navigating modern parenting.

In the Slate column, the parent expressed shock and discomfort upon learning that their adolescent had taken a deeply personal object. The parent’s spouse, in contrast, urged a more hands-off approach, advocating for letting the incident pass without confrontation. This difference in parental perspective mirrors a broader debate occurring in homes worldwide about how best to respond when boundaries are crossed within the family, especially as children move into the often confusing terrain of adolescence (Slate).

#Parenting #Adolescence #FamilyCommunication +6 more
3 min read

Modern Thai Fathers Challenge Tradition as New Research Recasts the Role of Fatherhood

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A new wave of research and storytelling is challenging longstanding perceptions of what it means to be a father in 21st-century Thailand, as highlighted by the recently launched book “Modern Fatherhood.” Drawing on the lived experiences of diverse fathers across Asia, the publication captures the evolving landscape of paternity, masculinity, and emotional connection—issues gaining traction in Thai society as traditional gender roles shift and families confront new realities.

For generations, Thai fathers were commonly expected to act as primary breadwinners and authority figures, often keeping emotional distance from their children. But as socioeconomic pressures and cultural influences change, fathers in urban and rural Thailand are increasingly reimagining their roles to include active caregiving, emotional vulnerability, and deeper engagement in their children’s lives. This trend parallels similar transformations in other parts of Asia, brought into the spotlight by the narratives compiled in “Modern Fatherhood,” published by Assouline and covered recently by Tatler Asia.

#Fatherhood #ThaiSociety #Parenting +6 more
5 min read

New Research Highlights Challenges and Rewards for Mothers Who Become Entrepreneurs

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A new wave of research underscores the growing appeal of entrepreneurship among mothers, revealing a complex interplay between professional ambition, family responsibilities, and systemic barriers—especially within traditionally demanding fields like medicine. Drawing from a recent report by The Irish Times, women who choose to establish their own businesses cite freedom, better work-life balance, and greater autonomy as top motivations, yet continue to face pronounced hurdles including access to funding, childcare, and lingering cultural biases within the business and medical landscapes (irishtimes.com).

#Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Childcare +7 more
6 min read

Single Motherhood by Choice: New Research and Celebrity Stories Challenge Old Stigmas

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Charlize Theron, acclaimed actress and mother, recently described her journey as a single mother as “one of the healthiest decisions” she has made, stirring conversations about single parenthood by choice worldwide. In a candid interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Theron — who adopted her daughters in 2012 and 2015 — discussed breaking away from unhealthy family cycles, making deliberate parenting choices, and confronting persistent social stigma against women who raise children alone (Business Insider). Her frankness comes as new research, cultural trends, and testimony from other high-profile single mothers are challenging outdated narratives — questions emerging that matter deeply not only in Hollywood, but also for Thai readers as family structures and women’s roles evolve in Thailand and around the world.

#SingleMotherhood #ParentingTrends #FamilyInThailand +7 more
4 min read

Embracing Boredom: New Research Suggests Letting Children Be Bored Can Benefit Their Development

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A growing body of research, highlighted in a recent feature by The Times of India, is challenging conventional wisdom about childhood boredom. Contrary to the belief that children’s schedules should be filled with constant activities and digital entertainment, experts now recommend that parents allow their children to experience periods of boredom. This approach, they argue, can nurture creativity, emotional resilience, and self-reliance—traits essential for thriving in today’s complex world (Times of India).

#Parenting #ChildDevelopment #Education +5 more
4 min read

US Study Reveals Where the Happiest Families Live—Insights and Reflections for Thailand

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A recent study spotlighted by Parents.com has captured the attention of families across the United States and beyond by ranking the states with the “happiest” families in America. The research, which surveyed aspects of well-being from emotional support to financial security, reveals surprising regional differences and underscores the growing global interest in family life quality. While this study centers on the American context, its findings and methodologies offer valuable takeaways for Thai readers concerned with family happiness, societal wellbeing, and work-life balance.

#FamilyHappiness #Wellbeing #Thailand +6 more
4 min read

Creating Safe Spaces: New Insights Reveal How Parents Foster Openness With Their Children

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A new wave of research and expert commentary is shedding light on the pivotal role of parental behavior in encouraging children to share openly and honestly. Drawing on the lead from a popular article, “Parents Whose Kids Feel Safe Telling Them Everything & Anything Did These 8 Things Right” as published on YourTango, experts are highlighting practical ways Thai parents can nurture trust and communication within families, inspired by evolving global standards for child wellbeing.

#Parenting #FamilyCommunication #ChildWellbeing +4 more
7 min read

Family Rejection After Coming Out: New Research Illuminates Mental Health Risks and Paths to Support

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The personal experience recounted in a recent Salt Lake Tribune opinion piece—of an individual forced to sever ties with conservative, immigrant parents after coming out as LGBTQ+—is not only poignant but also, sadly, emblematic of a wider pattern documented by international and Thai research. As dialogue around LGBTQ+ acceptance grows more visible in public and family spheres, scientists are compiling evidence that family rejection sharply increases mental health risks, but that targeted interventions and rising social support can, over time, help break cycles of alienation and trauma.

#LGBTQ #MentalHealth #FamilyAcceptance +12 more
6 min read

'Not Fun Mom' Philosophy Sparks Debate on Parenting, Safety, and Supervision

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A growing number of parents are publicly embracing a “Not Fun Mom” philosophy—prioritizing vigilant safety and close supervision over carefree play and relaxation during child outings—a stance that has struck a chord across social media and reignited discussion about modern parenting styles and child safety. This trend, brought into the spotlight by a candid TikTok video, has received praise and sparked debate amid expert concerns about child injury prevention, especially in hazardous environments such as pools and beaches.

#parenting #childsafety #Thailand +5 more
7 min read

Are Podcasts Really Screen Time? New Research Redefines Kids' Digital Habits

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As parents in Thailand and around the world grapple with how much “screen time” is too much for their children, new research and expert opinions are challenging our traditional understanding of what counts as screen time, especially in the era of podcasts, audiobooks, and smart speakers. With children now exposed to a wide range of digital media from an early age—not just tablets and televisions, but also audio-only content—educators, health professionals, and parents are wrestling with an urgent question: Is listening to a podcast the same as watching YouTube, and should it count towards children’s daily screen time limits?

#screentime #children #podcasts +7 more
4 min read

More Thai Fathers Explore Stay-at-Home Dad Roles as Gender Norms Shift

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A recent trend highlighted by global media has seen more fathers stepping away from traditional career paths to become stay-at-home dads, as families seek arrangements that best suit their needs in a changing world. An article published by Business Insider features the personal story of a man who left his “dream job” to care for his children full-time, while his wife became the family’s primary breadwinner. The couple reports that the switch has been the best decision for their family, bringing new perspectives on work-life balance, gender roles, and parenting satisfaction.

#parenting #genderroles #Thailand +3 more
6 min read

Warm Homes, Open Hearts: Letting Go of Old Habits to Stay Close to Children in Adulthood

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For many Thai parents, the hope for a close-knit family does not end when children become adults and move out. The desire to be visited—not just remembered or dutifully acknowledged—remains strong, especially as the years pass. A recent article published by VegOut Magazine unpacks eight key habits that parents should rethink if they want to foster visits driven by love rather than obligation as they age (VegOut Magazine, 2025). These insights offer a timely reminder as Thailand faces shifting familial dynamics under urbanisation and generational change.

#family #parenting #aging +6 more
5 min read

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science: The Reinvigorated Role of Grandparents in Thai Families

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Recent global research has unveiled the surprising power of grandparenting to shape the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation—a finding that carries fresh resonance across Thai society as families navigate urbanization, shifting demographics, and evolving intergenerational roles. In a new era marked by aging populations and increasing longevity, the influence of grandparents is being rediscovered not only as a source of emotional nourishment, but as a foundation for cognitive and social development in grandchildren, bridging family culture, and preserving critical intergenerational wisdom.

#Grandparenting #Thailand #FamilyCulture +6 more
6 min read

Navigating Faith and Culture: New Research Illuminates Parental Concerns When Teens Explore Church

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A recent feature in Slate has spotlighted an emerging challenge for parents in multicultural societies: supporting a teenager’s desire to explore organized religion, especially in a context that crosses both ethnic and denominational boundaries. The article, published on June 27, 2025, under the headline “Help! My Son Wants to Go to Church. Uh, I’m Not Sure I Can Support This,” addresses the nuanced emotions that arise when a young person’s spiritual curiosity diverges from family tradition—and ventures into sacred spaces with deep-seated cultural histories (slate.com).

#parenting #youth #religion +7 more
6 min read

New Research Reveals the Neuroscience of Fatherhood: 'Dad Brain' Goes Mainstream

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A wave of new research is reshaping what we know about fatherhood, suggesting that men’s brains undergo measurable, dynamic changes when they become parents—changes often echoing those long attributed to mothers. For Thai families watching the shifting roles of men in parenting and policymakers focused on child development, these findings open remarkable new windows into the neurobiology of caregiving and challenge prevailing cultural stereotypes.

Until recently, the concept of “mom brain” reigned supreme in popular culture and scientific study. Defined by both cognitive shifts and an emotional attunement toward a new child, much has been made about the brain and hormonal changes mothers experience. However, a growing body of work, including the latest research led by a US-based psychology professor at the University of Southern California, finds that becoming a father sparks a unique neurological and hormonal transformation—a phenomenon now being described as “dad brain” (wbur.org).

#dadbrain #fatherhood #neuroscience +7 more
7 min read

Modern Parenting Crisis: Overprotection at Home Leaves Students Unprepared for Independence, Say Experts

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A growing number of university professors in the United States are raising alarms about a worrying trend among today’s students: many young adults are arriving at university without essential life skills, due to parenting styles that prioritize protection over independence. This issue, highlighted in a recent Slate advice column where an anonymous professor described students “who have never been allowed to solve a problem themselves,” is resonating with educators and mental health professionals worldwide, and holds crucial lessons for Thai parents and educators facing similar cultural shifts.

#Parenting #Education #ChildDevelopment +6 more
7 min read

When Pushing Kids Too Far: New Research Questions the Value of Forced Extracurricular Activities

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A growing body of research is challenging long-held beliefs about the value of pushing children into numerous extracurricular activities, with new studies warning that more is not always better — and that excessive scheduling may actually harm children’s mental health and social development. These findings, recently discussed in a widely read article from The Cut, have significant implications for parents and educators worldwide, including in Thailand, where academics, sports, and other out-of-class pursuits are often seen as essential paths to success.

#education #thailand #parenting +5 more
7 min read

Screen Addiction, Not Just Screen Time, Linked to Higher Mental Health Risks in Children, New Study Shows

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A groundbreaking new study published in JAMA has sparked a timely debate among parents and experts worldwide, including Thailand, about the real impact of screens on young people’s mental health. The findings point away from the traditional focus on daily screen time limits and instead urge caregivers to pay close attention to signs of screen addiction—compulsive, dependent behaviors associated with technology use—as these are much more strongly linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among children and adolescents.

#ScreenAddiction #MentalHealth #Children +6 more
6 min read

Debate Heats Up Over Effectiveness of ‘Gentle Parenting’ for Toddlers With Aggression

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A recent column by a retired psychotherapist in The Mercury News has reignited an ongoing debate on the efficacy of ‘gentle parenting’—an approach that emphasizes empathy and connection rather than punishment—particularly for parents struggling with toddlers who display aggressive behaviors such as hitting. The expert argues that while gentle parenting techniques prioritize the development of conscience, empathy, and emotional regulation, accumulating research now suggests these strategies may fall short when tackling persistent or physically aggressive misbehavior in young children. This timely question has global resonance and is particularly significant in Thailand, where parenting traditions, disciplinary norms, and family structures are rapidly changing.

#gentleparenting #parentingtips #earlychildhood +7 more