A growing body of research challenges the idea that fathers are merely “babysitting” when they care for their own children. Experts say the language we use signals deeper inequities in emotional and domestic responsibilities. For Thai families, evolving gender norms intersect with traditional expectations, making this an especially timely topic.
Across the globe, mothers have long been portrayed as the default caregivers, with fathers celebrated for occasional involvement. New insights, however, show that even in households where both parents work, women often shoulder more childcare and housework. A widely cited study by Bianchi and colleagues highlights how women spend more time on domestic duties than men, regardless of employment status. In Thailand, such patterns echo domestic realities and influence family health and harmony.
Language matters. When a father’s participation is described as “babysitting,” it reinforces the notion that motherly labor is obligatory while paternal help is optional. In Thai society, where family obligations and respect are deeply woven into daily life, this framing can hinder true partnership. Cultural expectations around “jai yen” (coolness) and “kreng jai” (consideration for others) shape how emotions are managed at home and who carries the emotional load.
Recent comparative research sheds additional light. A 2023 study from Northwestern University found that Thai parents generally favor emotional restraint and harmony, yet mothers still engage more in emotion talk, especially with daughters. This mirrors Western patterns and suggests that women often become the primary managers of family emotion, a dynamic that can affect long-term wellbeing.
The personal toll is real. When caregiving falls predominantly on one parent, the risk of isolation and depression rises, with implications for children’s emotional development. International and Thai findings alike point to “maternal rage” — a buildup of unaddressed labor and pressure to be endlessly selfless. Such stress can ripple through the family and affect children’s sense of security and belonging.
In Thailand’s family businesses, the story is nuanced. A 2024 study on gender, affective labor, and COVID-19 responses involving 51 Thai entrepreneurs found that women’s emotional labor supports resilience in both work and home. Recognizing and sharing this labor is essential; when care work is valued, families can weather crises more effectively.
Despite awareness, genuine shared parenting remains elusive. Social norms, workplace structures, and traditional family roles discourage men from full participation in childcare. Many Thai households still expect mothers to mediate both practical tasks and emotional needs, while fathers may feel pressure to prioritize breadwinning or authority.
What can families do? Start with language and attitudes. Communities, schools, and media should avoid labeling fathers’ involvement as mere “help.” Practical steps include open conversations about distributing tasks, formal support for paternal leave, and public campaigns that elevate emotionally present fathers as a standard, not an exception.
Recognize the emotional labor borne by mothers and ensure that support flows to both parents. Thai cultural values such as interdependence can be reframed to promote fairness in domestic tasks. A strong, adaptable family foundation has long been a Thai strength; expanding roles within the home can reinforce that resilience.
Policy and practice can help. Expanding parental leave for both mothers and fathers, offering family counseling, and encouraging workplaces to support family involvement for all genders can accelerate this shift. In everyday life, Thai families can model balanced partnerships by sharing chores, communicating expectations, and seeking help when needed.
For Thai readers, practical steps are clear: challenge stereotypes at home and in the community, have candid conversations about division of labor, and support each other in moments of overwhelm. Fathers should be welcomed as integral caregivers, not as a special exception. When someone says a father is “babysitting,” remind them that parenting is a shared responsibility and a core part of family life.
In sum, the future of parenting in Thailand lies in blending tradition with transformation. By fostering equitable partnerships, families benefit from richer emotional support, stronger relationships, and healthier children.
As research and lived experience converge, Thai society has an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a good parent — together.