A growing body of international research shows that grandparents are shouldering unprecedented levels of childcare—transforming not only family relationships but also the way societies must support both the elderly and the youngest generations. Recent reports, including one from The Atlantic published in April 2025, highlight “an age of peak grandparenting,” with nearly 60% of American grandmothers providing childcare for grandchildren, and more than 40% seeing a grandchild weekly. Experts warn that the consequences of this shift are profound, shaping retirement, family bonds, and child development not just in the West but across Asia—including Thailand, where traditional family structures and rapid societal changes intersect in unique ways.
Why does this matter to Thai readers? Traditionally, Thai society has long relied on multigenerational support, with ปู่, ย่า, ตา, and ยาย (grandfathers and grandmothers) not only passing down wisdom and culture but also, when needed, stepping in to nurture the youngest family members. However, as more Thai parents work outside the home and urbanization accelerates, the caregiving responsibilities carried by older people have intensified—often out of necessity due to limited affordable childcare. Recent findings echo global trends: UNICEF Thailand reports that nearly one in five children under five years old now live apart from their parents, often with grandparents or other extended relatives, with direct impacts on children’s development and grandparents’ own health and well-being ([UNICEF Thailand])(https://www.unicef.org/thailand/stories/closing-gap-early-childhood-care-every-child-thailand).
The data reflects the pressures of modern life. In the United States, surveys show the majority of grandmothers are deeply involved in everyday childcare—helping parents balance work demands, covering gaps when professional childcare isn’t available, and, in many cases, delaying retirement plans (The Atlantic, 2025). In the United Kingdom, more than half of parents with young children depend on a grandparent’s support, a figure that is echoed or even exceeded in much of Asia (The Week, 2025). Research from Northern Ireland confirms that having a co-resident grandparent increases a mother’s chances of returning to full-time employment by over 3 percentage points for single mothers and nearly as much for mothers in two-parent households (Nature, 2024).
In Thailand, these numbers carry real significance. As the nation grapples with a sharply aging population—projected to soon reach an “aged society” status—while also experiencing falling birth rates, the dual challenge of supporting both young children and aging family members is unprecedented (UNICEF Thailand; Asia Foundation). A 2024 case study in rural Thailand found that, similar to other countries, grandparents often view their caregiving as both a joy and a heavy burden, especially when formal support is scarce (Wiley, 2024). The responsibility can be emotionally and physically taxing, leading in some cases to declines in self-rated health and functional capacity among older caregivers (ResearchGate, 2018).
Research highlights that grandparent involvement can be a double-edged sword. On the positive side, close intergenerational relationships foster resilience and a sense of security in children, while also providing grandparents with a sense of purpose and engagement (PubMed, 2025). In China, for example, grandparental involvement was linked to higher levels of psychological well-being and attachment for both child and grandparent ([APA PsycInfo, 2025]). In Spain, as elsewhere, grandparents report greater feelings of belonging and a vital role in their families—but also acknowledge lifestyle sacrifices and the strain of added responsibilities (PubMed, 2024).
Yet the cost cannot be overlooked. A 2025 longitudinal study in the UK found that, while many grandparents take pride in nurturing development or supporting working parents, those who provide care out of obligation or struggle to refuse requests experience more depressive symptoms and a lower quality of life. When caring for sick grandchildren or caring overnight, the effects are particularly pronounced (Nature, 2024). Similar trends are emerging in Thailand, where scholars have called attention to “hidden expectations” on grandparents, especially grandmothers, to pick up the caregiving slack as state and market systems lag behind society’s needs (ResearchGate, 2018).
Thailand’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) system is rapidly evolving. Today, about 85% of Thai children aged 3-5 years attend some form of pre-primary education, reflecting decades of investment and steady progress (UNICEF Thailand). However, affordable formal care for children under three remains scarce, forcing parents—especially working mothers—to entrust care to grandparents, or in some cases, to relocate children to rural extended families. This situation, as pointed out by The Asia Foundation, has contributed to a declining female labor force participation rate, as many urban mothers leave jobs they cannot balance with caregiving (Asia Foundation, 2025). The challenge is both economic and demographic: as grandparents age, the sustainability of this informal “safety net” is increasingly under threat.
Thai policy makers are responding with targeted reforms. The recent expansion of maternity and paternity leave, and a new Early Childhood Development Act, aim to close gaps in formal childcare provision, raise standards, and provide a more genuine choice for families about when and how to return to work (UNICEF Thailand). Digital solutions, like the Thang Rat Application—now with over 36 million users—are making it easier for parents to locate and access certified childcare centers, bridging persistent information gaps (Asia Foundation, 2025). Nevertheless, experts stress the need for more comprehensive training for early childhood professionals, better subsidies for quality providers, and support specifically designed for families where grandparents provide the bulk of daily care.
Cultural context is key. In Thailand, as in many parts of Asia, respect for elders and the value of family duty are deeply rooted. Yet, as expert Dr. Touchanun Komonpaisarn has shown, the expectation that grandparents will always step in “may mask the physical and mental toll this arrangement can have—particularly in the absence of sufficient support or recognition from the state or society” (ResearchGate, 2018). Societal appreciation, policy reform, and targeted services must evolve alongside these shifting family dynamics.
Looking ahead, Thailand faces a crossroads. With the caregiving load on grandparents likely to rise further as the population ages, making sustainable childcare solutions accessible to all ages is an urgent priority. International studies are clear: societies that invest in formal child development programs, flexible work arrangements for parents, and recognition for elder contributors not only strengthen family bonds but also support healthier aging and give children the best start in life (UNICEF Thailand; Nature, 2024). As Thailand continues its journey toward “aged society” status, achieving a synergy between tradition and innovation will be key to ensuring no generation is left behind.
For readers navigating these changes, a few practical recommendations stand out. Open communication—พูดคุยอย่างตรงไปตรงมา—between generations about needs, boundaries, and expectations can help prevent burnout and preserve family harmony. Take advantage of new digital tools like Thang Rat when searching for childcare options. Advocate for workplace and government policies that support families—not just mothers and fathers, but also the grandparents so often at the heart of Thai homes. And most importantly, recognize the immense value—and limits—of what grandparents provide: their wisdom, love, and, at times, their need for rest and support.
Sources: The Atlantic, UNICEF Thailand, Asia Foundation, Nature, ResearchGate, The Week, Science Daily, PubMed.