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.
The significance of this discussion is profound for Thai society, where the average age of first-time parents is gradually rising, echoing a global trend toward delayed family formation. As many young adults in Thailand cite concerns over stability, career progression, and personal aspirations as reasons to delay having children, a new perspective suggests that early parenthood may in fact be a hidden catalyst for happiness and success. This shift in narrative matters as Thailand grapples with declining birth rates, an aging population, and persistent questions about intergenerational support—all issues directly impacted by family planning choices.
According to the Deseret News perspective, research has consistently shown that fatherhood, in particular, is linked to increased happiness, greater psychological well-being, and stronger community involvement. A notable review published on PubMed Central found that fathers typically experience more life satisfaction, autonomy, and daily emotional “uplifts” than men who remain childless. The positive association between parenthood and happiness often defies the stereotype of children as an obstacle to fulfillment. Another study highlighted in the article links fatherhood to better health and higher income—outcomes that challenge the fear of career stagnation sometimes associated with early family life (PMC7326370).
For young parents, physical readiness is also cited as a major benefit. Parents in their twenties often have more energy to keep up with active children, manage the demands of both work and home, and adapt to the intensive routines of early child-rearing. One young mother explained in The Guardian that she simply felt “more up for it” as a younger parent, echoing the experiences of others who have found early parenthood to be revitalizing rather than draining.
An additional, culturally relevant point for Thai families is the “sandwich generation” dilemma. Those who delay having children until their thirties or later may end up simultaneously caring for both children and aging parents, creating significant emotional and financial stress. Starting a family earlier can help avoid this double burden, spacing out caregiving responsibilities and potentially ensuring that grandparents are younger, healthier, and more able to support both their children and grandchildren.
The perspective also notes that early in a career, taking leave for child-rearing or illness may actually be more manageable and less disruptive than during later, more established professional phases. For many Thai workers—especially those in government, education, or flexible private-sector roles—this insight may hold particular relevance, inviting reexamination of when family-building is most compatible with long-term career security.
Perhaps most crucially, robust family support tends to be stronger for younger parents. Grandparents who are still in good health are more actively engaged, offering hands-on help that reduces stress for new parents and strengthens family bonds. Data show that children who enjoy close relationships with grandparents are less likely to experience behavior or emotional problems later in life, reinforcing the multi-generational benefits of earlier parenthood (ICPSR 1500 Baby FACES).
Despite these compelling findings, many young couples hesitate to start families early, citing rising living costs, limited workplace support, and persistent social narratives that portray parenthood as a sacrifice rather than a privilege. These pressures are acutely felt in Thai society, where the cost of living, strict educational expectations, and cultural values around filial duty often weigh heavily on family decisions. According to a specialist at a leading Thai university, “our young couples are facing unprecedented economic and social pressure. It’s understandable why they feel they have to wait.”
This hesitation has contributed to a historic low fertility rate in Thailand, exacerbating concerns about the country’s demographic challenges. Thai policymakers have urged action, but family-friendly policies remain limited compared to many East Asian peers. International experts like sociologist Brad Wilcox argue that policy and cultural changes—such as integrating marriage and family courses in schools, increasing tax credits for children, and promoting paid parental leave—are essential for empowering young adults to embrace the benefits of early parenthood (Deseret News article).
Career concerns, particularly for mothers, remain a major barrier. Studies show that women’s workforce participation often declines sharply after having children and that parenthood can hurt long-term earnings and opportunities—though the impact is not equal between genders or across occupations (PMC11047346, The Economist 2024). Addressing these disparities, implementing flexible workplace policies, and recognizing the value of parental investment are crucial in supporting families at all stages.
For Thai readers, the lessons from recent research are clear: early parenthood does not inherently mean abandoning dreams, ambitions, or happiness. With the right support structures—in the family, workplace, and broader society—having children in one’s twenties can add purpose, open doors, and contribute to individual and collective well-being. The collective experience of Thai society, with its deep-rooted emphasis on family ties, presents a unique opportunity to revisit assumptions about what it means to “do things in the right order.” Many in Thailand may recall the traditional norm of marrying and starting a family at a younger age—a norm now being reconsidered as research presents a fuller picture of early parenthood’s long-term benefits.
Looking to the future, Thailand faces a crossroads. Failure to address declining fertility and aging demographics may create significant social and economic challenges, while progressive policies could pave the way for a new generation of thriving families. Policymakers should consider expanding parental leave, increasing financial incentives for young families, and integrating family life education into the school curriculum. Employers in both public and private sectors likewise need to play a part, normalizing flexible arrangements and career pathways that accommodate both early parenthood and professional achievement.
For Thai individuals and couples weighing when to start a family, the evidence increasingly supports the idea that earlier may be better—not just for physical health or career convenience but for the deep happiness and sense of purpose that parenthood can provide. If you are contemplating your own path, consider seeking advice from trusted family members, talking with healthcare professionals, and researching the resources and supports available in your community. Ultimately, the best decision will be one that aligns with your values, ambitions, and the unique strengths of your family.
For policymakers, educators, and employers, the call to action is clear: foster environments that empower informed, supported choices about family formation. Addressing cultural, economic, and policy barriers is not just about boosting birth rates—it is about enabling the next generation of Thai families to thrive at every stage of life.