A growing body of research shows that the end of the school year, not the holidays, is the peak season for parental stress. The overlap of end-of-year commitments and the long summer break creates a demanding period for families in both the United States and Thailand. This insight emphasizes the need to support parents and children during transitional moments outside the academic calendar.
A recent poll of 2,000 millennial parents in the United States found that nearly one-third report exhaustion as the school year ends, with similar shares noting anxiety and feeling overwhelmed as they balance summer plans with work. The end of year also brings high-ticket childcare costs, making structured summer activities inaccessible for many families. Data suggests day camps can cost between $73 and $87 per day, contributing to unstable routines for children and increased workloads for parents. Research highlights the broader impact of these pressures on family well-being and routines.
Why should Thai readers care about end-of-year stress? Thailand faces a similar dynamic. The academic calendar includes a long mid-March to mid-May holiday, coinciding with the hottest season. Commentary from Thai education voices notes that holidays once offered informal learning and communal support but today more families scramble for structure, seeking summer programs or relying on relatives or extended screen time. As dual-income households rise and traditional family networks shift, the burden of organizing safe, meaningful experiences during the break grows heavier for parents.
The mental health implications are significant. A study from Chiang Mai University during the COVID-19 era linked disrupted routines and increased screen time to higher parental stress and more emotional and behavioral issues in children. In a Thai sample of 942 families, reduced income, excessive screen time, sleep disturbances, and limited physical activity were associated with strained family functioning. Financial uncertainty about summer plans and work-life balance further amplified stress for both parents and children.
Additional data from a 2022 study found elevated anxiety and depression among Thai parents of young children during extended home confinement, especially in lower-income households. The mental health of children—including behavioral problems—was a strong predictor of parental distress, creating a cycle: stressed parents struggle to establish routines, and poorly engaged children contribute to further stress.
Experts emphasize the role of routine as a buffer. Pediatric specialists and Thai child psychologists highlight stable daily rituals as essential for children’s development and family resilience, particularly during transition periods. Yet end-of-year chaos often disrupts these routines. Public and private resources vary in accessibility, with many private summer programs remaining out of reach for many families, despite some low-cost options offered by public institutions.
Thai cultural norms around family and community are evolving. Traditionally, holidays included shared activities and intergenerational mentoring, but urbanization and changing work patterns have weakened these networks. While the rise of holiday programs adds options, it can also widen social gaps for families with fewer resources. Community-driven solutions—such as shared family groups, temple-based programs, and local nonprofit initiatives—show promise in providing affordable, meaningful experiences.
Experts advocate both policy and practical measures. Proposed steps include expanding access to community-based, affordable summer activities; providing official guidance for family-friendly routines; offering employer flexibility for parents; and ensuring mental health support is available for both children and adults during transitions. At home, sustaining simple routines—regular meals and daily physical activity—can significantly improve family harmony and child development.
For Thai families, actionable next steps include planning summer routines early, coordinating with neighbors for shared activities, exploring community or temple programs, and prioritizing personal well-being alongside children’s. Policymakers and educators should focus on inclusive, affordable holiday programming and broaden mental health resources accessible to communities during these periods. Reframing end-of-year dread as a shared challenge—one that communities and schools tackle together—can lead to better outcomes for families navigating modern parenting in Thailand.
In summary, the end of the school year is a critical period for family stress, but it also offers an opportunity to strengthen routines, community support, and policies that make summer more manageable for Thai households. By integrating practical planning, affordable programs, and mental health resources, families can transform this seasonal pressure into a foundation for resilience.