A striking new trend in China, known as “reverse parenting,” is capturing attention worldwide as children take the reins of household responsibilities, preparing meals, cleaning, and even shopping for groceries — all while their parents look on with approval. This shift challenges traditional family roles and is backed by educators and mental health experts who argue that giving children more responsibility can instill independence, self-sufficiency, empathy, and discipline (News18; South China Morning Post (SCMP); India Today).
The emergence of reverse parenting is best witnessed on Chinese social media platforms like Douyin and Weibo, where thousands of viral posts show children as young as primary-school age confidently chopping vegetables, mopping floors, and negotiating prices at the local market. Yuanyuan, a young boy from Liaoning province with nearly a million followers, has inspired many by posting daily videos of rising before dawn to walk dogs, cook full meals, and care for his family (SCMP). National discussions have arisen on the merits, risks, and motivations behind this phenomenon, as households across China see children swap toys for household tools to become active contributors to family life.
While the traditional model in China — and elsewhere, including Thailand — places the primary domestic workload on parents, usually mothers, this new role reversal is changing morning routines. Instead of parents rising early to prepare lunches and uniforms, it is the children who wake up first to prepare breakfast, handle chores, and even call their parents to meals.
This movement is not an attempt to burden children, Chinese educators stress, but to equip them with skills essential for adulthood. According to a Shanghai-based child development psychologist, “Children who manage chores develop a sharper sense of time, accountability, and organisation. They begin to see the world not just from their own lens, but also through the eyes of those who care for them.” When these children experience the “fruits of their labour,” it fosters confidence and a sense of belonging within the family, the expert added (News18).
Many of these children appear genuinely content and motivated, often proudly showcasing their skills and clean living spaces online, cheered on by supportive parents. According to viral video star Xu Ming, age 10, “Now I know how hard it is for mom to cook three meals every day. I want to help her more.”
The trend’s roots are complex and culturally significant. In China, this upbringing is part of a broader response to previous parenting critiques, such as the “Little Emperor Syndrome,” a side effect of the one-child policy that saw many children overindulged and shielded from responsibility (India Today). In 2021, China’s Ministry of Education mandated “labour education” as a formal component of the national curriculum, where children are now assessed on their practical household skills as well as their academic performance. This is part of a wider cultural push to counteract years of academic pressure by encouraging the development of real-world competencies.
Social media has played a significant role in popularizing and normalizing this practice, with viral posts inspiring more families to join the trend. At the same time, rapid urbanization, dual-income families, and fewer children due to falling birth rates have led to a practical need for everyone in the household — including the youngest members — to pitch in.
International experts note that, while reverse parenting is gaining traction in China, countries such as Japan and South Korea have long traditions of expecting self-reliance and responsibility from children from an early age. In Japanese schools, for example, students routinely clean their classrooms and school bathrooms, a practice viewed as integral to developing respect, orderliness, and independence (India Today). In Scandinavia, children are given both freedom and accountability to help build self-assured, capable adults, showing that different cultural models also value similar goals.
Despite these positive outcomes, mental health and parenting specialists warn that balance is crucial. An Indian expert on child development critiqued the trend’s romanticization if it ignores children’s right to play, learn, and explore. “Children are not miniature adults,” she said in an interview. “If we overload them with responsibilities or treat them like house help, we risk pushing them toward burnout or resentment.” Instead, experts advocate for structured, age-appropriate chores to build life skills, while safeguarding the vital role of play and academic pursuits (News18).
Critics also caution against exporting reverse parenting without regard to cultural fit. In India and Thailand, for instance, some worry that parents’ reluctance to involve children in chores fosters dependence and entitlement. In contrast, judiciously applied reverse parenting might cultivate resilience and adaptability—traits necessary for modern life.
For Thailand, these global shifts in parenting philosophies align with ongoing national debates about childhood education and family roles. While many Thai families still practice child-centrism—protecting children from household work in favor of studying and play—there is growing recognition that light, age-appropriate tasks can strengthen discipline, gratitude, and preparation for adult responsibilities (South China Morning Post). Moreover, as the number of dual-income Thai households rises, the imperative to raise more independent children may become increasingly important.
Historically, Thailand has respected communal and familial duty, with children often helping on family farms or in small businesses. However, in urbanized regions, such collaborative roles have waned, and family structures and parenting approaches have become more “modernized.” Thai educators, therefore, can glean valuable lessons from China’s example by re-examining how household chores might fit into character education and labor efficiency—while taking care to avoid overly burdensome expectations.
Looking ahead, if the reverse parenting trend continues in China and spreads elsewhere, it could shape future generations to become more competent, empathic, and self-sustaining adults. This, in turn, could have considerable societal impacts—potentially alleviating stress within overburdened families and helping children cope better with uncertainty and adversity.
For Thai readers and families interested in adapting these practices, the key is moderation and mindful implementation. Family consensus, clear boundaries, and supportive guidance can help channel household chores into opportunities for children to develop crucial life skills without risking the loss of childhood joy. Parents and teachers alike may consider assigning a few regular, age-appropriate responsibilities, celebrating children’s efforts, and maintaining open communication about challenges and successes. As the Thai proverb goes, “A child learns to walk by himself, but the family is always nearby.”
For more on this trend and considerations for Thai households, visit the original coverage at News18, South China Morning Post, and India Today.