A new wave of parenting discussion has swept through Thailand, mirroring a global debate on the benefits and challenges of co-sleeping with children beyond infancy. Prompted by recent commentary such as “I still co-sleep with my seven-year-old daughter” from The Times, Thai parents and experts are reflecting on both cultural traditions and modern research to navigate what is best for their families.
For generations, co-sleeping—where parents and children share the same bed or bedroom—has been deeply rooted in Thai culture as a way to foster closeness, emotional security, and familial bonds. Many Thai families consider it a practical solution, especially in multi-generational households with limited space, and a way to ensure a child’s safety and comfort during the night. However, as Western parenting philosophies gain influence and research on child development evolves, more Thai parents are questioning when—and if—children should transition to sleeping alone.
The recent article in The Times articulates personal experiences and social pressures faced by parents who continue co-sleeping with older children. The conversation has sparked debate online and among pediatricians, educators, and mental health professionals in Thailand. “Thai parents are often caught between traditional values and new understandings of child independence,” a pediatric specialist from a leading Bangkok hospital told the Bangkok Post. “It’s important to recognize that every family’s situation is unique, but parents should be aware of both psychological and developmental perspectives.”
Cultural context remains a strong driver of parental decisions in Thailand. According to an assistant professor in childhood and adolescent studies at a prominent Thai university, “Co-sleeping has always been a norm in our society. It’s seen as an expression of parental love and duty. But as living situations change and as we’re exposed to global perspectives, parents are seeking advice from both their elders and professional sources.”
Recent research published in PubMed and Sleep Medicine Reviews suggests nuanced outcomes: while overnight proximity can boost emotional security and family cohesion, extended co-sleeping may sometimes be linked to problems with sleep quality, autonomy, and disrupted routines—particularly for school-aged children. However, the impact often depends on the family’s environment, the child’s temperament, and how well the arrangement is managed.
A Bangkok-based child psychologist highlighted, “There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The goal is to support healthy sleep for both the child and parent. Some children thrive while co-sleeping, while others benefit from developing independence in their own space. Ultimately, parents should look for signs of either stress or security in their children and adapt as needed.”
In Thailand, opinions about when a child should sleep independently diverge widely. Some parents are motivated by Western advice promoting early independence. Others find reassurance in long-standing Thai customs. A primary school teacher notes, “In my experience, students who sleep with their families don’t show less independence in class. It depends more on the child’s upbringing and the household environment.”
Adding historical perspective, Thailand’s tradition of multi-generational households and the value placed on close-knit families continue to shape parenting choices. While urbanization and smaller family units are becoming more common, the practice of co-sleeping endures in rural areas and among those seeking to preserve cultural identity. Social media discussions, however, reveal a growing openness to new models, with online parenting groups exchanging tips and concerns about children’s sleep transitions.
Looking ahead, experts suggest that awareness campaigns, credible parental guidance, and frank conversations between parents and pediatricians can help navigate this complex topic. Healthcare providers are encouraged to avoid judgment and instead support parents in critically assessing their family’s needs, values, and resources. As a senior public health official in Thailand observed, “The key is to empower families with evidence-based information so they can make choices that work best for their children while respecting our cultural roots.”
For Thai parents currently considering the future of their child’s sleeping arrangements, practical recommendations include: monitoring your child’s comfort and well-being, creating bedtime routines that foster security, and seeking professional guidance if sleep problems or behavioral issues emerge. Above all, maintaining open communication within the family is vital.
As the conversation evolves in Thailand, the debate over co-sleeping is ultimately less about right or wrong and more about finding a healthy, respectful balance between tradition and modernity for each unique household.
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