A new large-scale study tracking nearly 200,000 mothers in the United States finds a worrying decline in maternal mental health from 2016 to 2023. The data show a drop in mothers reporting excellent mental health from 38.4% to 25.8%, while those reporting fair or poor mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. Researchers suggest that beyond pandemic and economic pressures, there may be a connection to overparenting — the trend of parents increasingly managing their children’s emotional and practical lives. This analysis draws on data from the National Survey of Children’s Health and is discussed in contemporary coverage by major outlets.
This trend matters beyond the United States. For Thai readers, it signals common stresses many families face: demanding work-life balances, intense academic expectations for children, and evolving ideas about what constitutes good parenting. In a global media environment, parenting norms travel across borders via social media and shared stories. Urban Thai parents, especially in Bangkok and other major cities, are navigating similar pressures around school admissions, tutoring, and extracurriculars, with anxiety around children’s future prospects and mental health.
Crucially, the study finds that mental health decline spans mothers of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Unlike many past studies that focus on perinatal periods, this research includes mothers with children from newborns to 17 years old, suggesting that maternal stress is a long-term issue rather than a temporary postpartum challenge. Clinicians quoted in recent coverage emphasize that the roots extend beyond short-term crises; cultural expectations around parenting—viewing it as high-stakes and highly controllable—also play a role. This is a resonant concern in Thai urban settings where family expectations and competitive schooling create daily pressures on mothers.
Overparenting is described as more than supervising every move. It reflects a belief that negative emotions must be avoided at all costs and that parents carry a sacred responsibility for shaping both their child’s environment and inner world. In practice, this can mean stepping in to prevent distress, sometimes coordinating with teachers or coaches to shield children from disappointment. While intent is protective, experts warn it can erode a child’s resilience and leave mothers feeling perpetually responsible for their child’s happiness and outcomes. Psychologists note that many parents accommodate their anxious children, often daily, in ways that can inadvertently reinforce anxiety and dependency.
In Thailand, Western parenting models emphasizing achievement and emotional management have gained traction through books, online communities, and social media. The urban education race—private tutoring, exam preparation, and after-school programs—has created a climate where mothers may fear any misstep could harm a child’s prospects. Thailand’s traditional emphasis on extended family care is shifting as more households become nuclear and urbanized, sometimes leaving mothers feeling isolated with mounting responsibilities.
Thai mental health professionals observe rising anxiety and burnout among mothers in urban centers. A child psychologist at a leading Bangkok hospital notes that many mothers feel trapped in a perpetual achievement cycle for themselves and their children. They worry that not intervening at every setback could harm their child, a mindset that can lead to depression and fatigue when support networks are weak.
Social dynamics in Thailand also reflect this tension. Respect for teachers and authority remains important, yet many parents now proactively engage in school disputes and academic struggles. Social media can amplify anxiety, with mothers sharing milestones and awards that fuel competition and self-doubt. A 2023 study from a prominent Thai university highlighted increasing use of parenting forums online, where mothers seek both support and validation while measuring themselves against peers.
Experts advocate a balanced approach — a “love and limits” mindset that combines warmth with clear, age-appropriate boundaries. Validating a child’s distress, offering support, and then stepping back can help children cope independently and reduce ongoing parental strain over time. For Thai families, this means adopting culturally appropriate strategies that foster resilience while preserving family harmony.
Policy and practice implications for Thailand include expanding early childhood mental health resources, offering parental well-being programs, and normalizing help-seeking among caregivers. Healthcare providers might develop culturally tailored interventions that encourage mothers to access support without stigma. Schools can play a role by offering parent education on resilience, emotional regulation, and gradual independence for children.
Practical takeaways for Thai parents and communities:
- Embrace healthy challenges as part of development. Allow children to experience and learn from setbacks within safe boundaries.
- Seek support from extended family, friends, or professional counselors when caregiving feels overwhelming.
- Use social media mindfully; remember that online portrayals are curated and may not reflect reality.
- Encourage schools to provide parent education on fostering resilience and autonomy in children.
- Support continued research and dialogue on maternal mental health and parenting pressures in Thailand.
For readers seeking help, Thai health authorities provide free resources and counseling hotlines. Local hospitals and health centers in Bangkok and other provinces often run parenting workshops and stress-management groups. Public health services emphasize reducing stigma around parental struggles and promoting balanced, evidence-based approaches to child-rearing.
In sum, while the U.S. study highlights a concerning trend, it also offers a chance to reflect on Thai parenting norms and to strengthen support systems for mothers. By combining Thailand’s tradition of communal care with evidence-based strategies, families can nurture well-being for both children and caregivers.