Parenting

A growing body of neuroscience and child-development research warns that verbal abuse from parents can alter a child’s developing brain and affect mental health for years. Leading experts shared these findings with policymakers in the UK, prompting renewed calls for action and broader public awareness about verbal maltreatment as a serious form of child abuse.

For Thai families, educators, and society, the message is clear: emotional safety is as crucial as physical safety for a child’s growth. In Thailand, where respect for elders and hierarchical family dynamics are deeply rooted, language used at home, in temples, and in classrooms can profoundly influence a child’s self-worth, relationships, and resilience.

A recent landmark study finds that regular parental warmth and affection are powerful drivers of open-minded, responsible, and agreeable adults. Published in a respected psychology journal this spring, the research offers practical guidance for Thai families seeking science-backed strategies to nurture well-rounded individuals who thrive at home, school, and work.

In Thailand, where academic achievement and respectful behavior are valued, the findings suggest that everyday expressions of care can have lasting benefits beyond grades. The study tracked 2,232 British twins from infancy to age 18, analyzing detailed recordings of mother-child interactions for warmth and support. Children who received more affection, especially between ages five and ten, tended to be more open to new experiences, conscientious, and agreeable as young adults than their less-supported peers.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that one of the most effective ways to raise children who develop into open, conscientious, and agreeable adults is through regular displays of parental warmth and affection. The research, published in the highly regarded journal American Psychologist this April, offers fresh insight for Thai families seeking science-backed guidance in nurturing quality adults who thrive in society and at work.

In a culture where academic achievement and respectful behavior are prized hallmarks of Thai parenting, this new evidence suggests that the simple act of expressing affection may have lasting benefits beyond grades and manners. The researchers followed 2,232 British identical twins from infancy to 18 years old, analyzing in-depth recordings of mother-child interactions for signs of warmth and support. The result: children who received more affection—especially between the ages of five and ten—were measurably more open to experience, conscientious, and agreeable as young adults compared to their less-embraced peers.

A former middle school teacher’s candid tips about student hygiene have gone viral, prompting educators and parents in Thailand to rethink everyday routines that protect confidence and well-being. The conversation centers on practical self-care for children, highlighting how small actions can spare learners from embarrassment and prevent health issues.

The story began on TikTok with a former U.S. sixth-grade teacher sharing straightforward insights, later covered by Scary Mommy. The message has struck a chord with Thai teachers, parents, and health professionals, especially as concerns about youth mental health and bullying persist in Thai schools. Advice such as keeping nails trimmed and caring for school garments is framed as a straightforward form of caregiving that can reduce teasing and isolation during adolescence.

A growing body of research is challenging the conventional wisdom that couples should wait until their careers and finances are fully secure before starting a family. According to a recent perspective published by Deseret News, parents who have children in their twenties can enjoy strong professional success, improved well-being, and meaningful family connections—with early parenthood offering a range of surprising advantages. The article, backed by studies and expert opinions, urges Thai families and policymakers to revisit their assumptions about the “right” time to start a family and consider the mounting evidence in favor of earlier parenthood.

A former middle school teacher’s straightforward revelations about student hygiene have become an online sensation, sparking international discussions—and prompting Thai educators and parents to re-examine everyday routines that can protect students’ confidence and health. At the heart of this viral conversation is a set of candid tips about childhood hygiene and self-care—advice that, though simple, may shield young learners from lasting embarrassment and health issues.

The story, originally shared on TikTok by former US sixth-grade teacher Maggie Perkins and reported by Scary Mommy, has resonated globally with parents, teachers, and childhood health professionals. Against the backdrop of Thailand’s own youth mental health and bullying challenges, the advice highlights how small acts of caregiving—including regular clipping of nails and cleaning much-loved school jackets—may spare children from teasing and isolation during one of the most sensitive periods of their lives (Scary Mommy).

A recent study suggests that among four grandparents, maternal grandmothers often exert the strongest influence on grandchildren’s well-being. This finding adds depth to Thai family life discussions about intergenerational care and support in modern households.

In Thai culture, grandparents play a central role. Many families rely on extended kin, especially in rural areas, where grandparents frequently help care for children as parents work or migrate for economic reasons. Understanding which grandparent carries the greatest influence can help families plan support and guide policymakers in promoting child welfare.

The challenge of getting children to listen is a universal concern, and a recent feature published by the Times of India offers timely, research-backed strategies for parents encountering this common frustration. Titled “10 things to do when your child doesn’t listen to you”, the article synthesizes contemporary psychological understanding and practical approaches—valuable for Thai families navigating child-rearing amid modern pressures.

In Thailand, shifting family structures and the demands of urban life have made positive communication between parents and children more crucial than ever. Educational experts and developmental psychologists consistently tell us that fostering cooperation in children is not only about discipline, but building connection and mutual respect. The strategies outlined in the Times of India article echo advice from child development research worldwide: staying calm, consistent, and empathetic reaps far better long-term results than shouting or punishment.

A recent discussion on common parenting strategies has resurfaced in the spotlight, revealing how many parents deploy “white lies” as a means to encourage good behavior in children. The approach is widespread not only across Western nations but also within Thai families—sparking new interest among experts in child development as they debate the long-term effects of these seemingly harmless fibs. As Thailand’s younger generation continues to face mounting pressures in academic and social spheres, understanding the psychology behind these parental tactics becomes ever more important.

The long-standing rivalry between siblings has taken a new turn as recent research shines a spotlight on a surprising “villain” within Thai and global families—the older brother. A large-scale study from the University of Warwick suggests that birth order does matter, with older brothers more likely to become the family aggressors, especially when it comes to bullying their younger siblings. This revelation not only disrupts traditional assumptions about sibling dynamics but also raises important questions about long-term well-being, family culture, and childhood development in Thailand.

A recent Guardian feature on talking to kids about body image has sparked renewed concern about body shaming and its impact on children worldwide, including in Thailand. With schoolyard taunts rising and social media intensifying appearance pressures, experts warn that how adults respond can shape a child’s mental health and relationship with their body for years to come.

Body image pressures are not new, but they feel sharper in the smartphone era. Data from the World Health Organization shows that nearly one in three children in Southeast Asia have faced weight-based teasing, contributing to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating later in life. In Thailand, studies over the last decade indicate rising rates of childhood obesity and eating disorders, underscoring the need for practical guidance.

A growing body of evidence challenges the idea that couples should wait until finances or careers are fully secure before starting a family. A recent perspective highlights that having children in your twenties can coincide with professional success, better well-being, and strong family bonds. The message invites Thai families and policymakers to examine the advantages of earlier parenthood in light of evolving research.

In Thailand, the average age of first-time parents is rising, reflecting a global trend toward delayed family formation. Many Thai youths worry about job stability and personal goals, yet new viewpoints suggest that early parenthood can be a source of happiness and resilience. This discussion matters as Thailand faces declining birth rates, an aging population, and questions about how families support each other across generations.

A global debate about parenting tactics is resurfacing in Thailand, focusing on the common use of white lies to encourage good behavior. Experts say these fibs are widely used in Thai families as well as in many Western households, but questions are growing about their long-term effects on trust, honesty, and moral development.

These tellings — such as suggesting Santa Claus only visits after homework is finished or that the TV will break if watched during dinner — are often framed as harmless, practical tools. They can defuse conflicts in the moment and help set boundaries. Yet research suggests the approach may have unintended consequences as children grow older, influencing how they view truth and authority. In Thai communities, where family harmony and face-saving are valued, such tactics have deep cultural roots and are sometimes passed down through folk stories and traditional teachings. Data from international research indicates that frequent use of white lies can erode trust over time and shape a child’s attitudes toward honesty.

A recent spotlight on children’s body image, highlighted by The Guardian’s feature “‘Mummy, Charlie called me fat today’: how to talk to kids about body image,” has reignited concern about how body shaming affects youngsters’ self-esteem worldwide—including here in Thailand. As schoolyard taunts become increasingly common and social media deepens pressure on appearance, experts stress that how adults respond can have profound implications for a child’s mental health and future relationship with their body.

A recent feature from a major Indian publication offers practical, research-backed strategies for parents dealing with children who don’t listen. The article compiles current psychology insights and translates them into actionable steps for modern families, making it a timely resource for Thai households navigating busy urban life.

In Thailand, changes in family structure and city schedules heighten the need for clear, compassionate communication. Child development experts emphasize that cooperation grows from connection and mutual respect, not punishment. The Times of India piece aligns with global research showing that calm, consistent, and empathetic approaches lead to stronger, longer-lasting parent–child bonds.

New research is reshaping how Thai families think about sibling dynamics. A large-scale study from the University of Warwick indicates that birth order matters more than many thought, with older brothers more likely to be the aggressors toward younger siblings. The finding challenges long-held assumptions about family harmony and raises important questions for Thai childhood development, education, and mental health.

Sibling rivalry is a universal theme, but its expressions are deeply shaped by culture. In Thailand, the elder son often carries traditional responsibilities, including guidance of younger siblings and care for aging parents. These expectations can influence behavior and emotional dynamics at home. The latest study adds nuance to this picture, suggesting that the eldest brother’s role can include a troubling tendency toward bullying, especially in larger families.

A new study has revealed that among the four grandparents, one in particular may have a more profound effect on the lives of their grandchildren—a finding that offers fresh perspective on Thai family life and intergenerational support. Although the influence of grandparents is well-recognised in Thai culture, the research highlights the unique and measurable ways a specific grandparent can shape children’s well-being and development, reigniting conversations about the evolving dynamics of the modern Thai household.

A newly translated ancient Babylonian letter from a teenage boy to his mother offers a compelling glimpse into the universal strains of adolescence. The near-3,800-year-old clay tablet shows familiar patterns of family tension, miscommunication, and the quest for autonomy that still resonate with Thai readers today.

Scholars at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, have publicized the translation and context, sparking widespread discussion. Written in cuneiform and addressed from a boy named Iddin-Sin to his mother, Zinu, the letter expresses disappointment over not receiving new clothes and accuses his mother of neglect. The tone and grievances echo the style of modern teen messages, reminding us that emotional struggles in families cross centuries. In shaping the narrative for current audiences, researchers point to the letter as a rare human glimpse into Mesopotamian family life, illustrating that parental expectations and adolescent frustration were central to daily life in ancient Babylon just as they are today.

A recently translated ancient Babylonian letter penned by a teenage boy to his mother has captivated scholars and readers alike, providing fresh insight into the timelessness of adolescent-parent relationships. The clay tablet, believed to be nearly 3,800 years old, reveals familiar patterns of family dynamics, frustration, and communication issues—reminding us that the universal challenges of growing up and parenting span all of human history.

The discovery and subsequent translation of this letter, which has been widely circulated in both academic and mainstream media, underscores the enduring nature of teenage angst. The letter, originally unearthed decades ago in Iraq but only recently decoded in detail, is written in cuneiform and addressed from a boy named Iddin-Sin to his mother, Zinu. According to leading Assyriologists, the content is surprisingly relatable to modern families: the teenager expresses his disappointment for not receiving new clothes and accuses his mother of neglect, voicing his grievances in a tone that would not feel out of place in today’s digital messages between children and parents. The full translation and context for Iddin-Sin’s letter were recently publicized by scholars at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, sparking viral discussions online (Smithsonian Magazine, Live Science).

A recent surge in research is examining the impact of political divides within families, a topic brought to the forefront by a thought-provoking article published by The New York Times and republished by Ekathimerini, titled “I hate my parents’ politics. Should I keep my son away?” Such deeply personal questions resonate with families worldwide, including in Thailand, where shifting social tides and increased political involvement among youth are bringing generational values into sharper conflict.

In a candid TikTok confession that has quickly gained traction among parents and educators, a former middle school teacher has revealed the four things she most wished she could have told parents about the daily realities faced by their children in school. The honest advice, reported by Scary Mommy, shines a spotlight on hygiene and puberty—a pair of topics often overlooked in both Thai and international classrooms, but critically linked to student well-being and social development (https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/former-teacher-reveals-things-she-wished-she-couldve-told-parents).

A wave of recent research explores how political divides affect families, sparked by a provocative piece in The New York Times and echoed by Ekathimerini. The article asks a timely question: should a parent’s politics drive family estrangement? The discussion resonates in Thailand, where younger generations are increasingly politically engaged and values are shifting in public life.

The core issue: children of all ages wrestle with reconciling their own beliefs with those of parents and relatives. Polarized climates and the spread of misinformation on social media intensify these tensions. A key dilemma is whether to shield children from elders whose views clash with the family’s values. Globally, a Pew Research Center survey finds 61% of adults in advanced economies report heated political debates at home, and 15% avoid certain relatives because of disagreements. In Thailand, rising political awareness among youth underscores the relevance of these dynamics for families.

In an age where busy schedules and digital distractions are the norm, a rising number of millennial parents are embracing the concept of the “kitchen table family”—a household practice in which family members consistently gather to share meals and meaningful conversations away from screens and outside pressures. This renewed intention to carve out daily or weekly moments of togetherness, highlighted in a recent POPSUGAR feature, is being lauded by mental health experts as a simple but effective way to strengthen family bonds and foster emotional well-being, especially among children.

Raising a toddler is both a celebration and a challenge. New findings from parenting research shed light on the realities behind those cherished first steps and first words, helping Thai families bridge the gap between expectation and experience as they blend traditional values with modern child-rearing strategies.

The move from infancy to a curious, sometimes headstrong toddler brings awe and fatigue in equal measure. Although countless guides exist, research shows a gap between idealized advice and daily surprises. A recent feature in a major Indian publication highlights ten unexpected truths about toddler parenting, underscoring that real life rarely matches glossy social-media portrayals or conventional parenting manuals.