A new, large-scale study reveals a notable drop in mothers’ mental health from 2016 to 2023 across socioeconomic groups. As Thailand places high value on family harmony and achievement, Thai health and education experts are keen to understand how intensive parenting practices might be contributing to rising stress among mothers and families.
The study tracked nearly 200,000 mothers, using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health. It found that the share reporting “excellent” mental health fell from 38.4% in 2016 to 25.8% in 2023. Those rating their mental health as “fair” or “poor” rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. The decline spans ages from newborns to teenagers and crosses economic backgrounds.
Experts suggest that the shift in parenting culture, especially the rise of intensive parenting, may add to existing pressures on mothers. Intensive parenting describes constant efforts to optimize a child’s emotional, social, and academic life. While rooted in care, it can unintentionally burden both parents and children and erode natural coping skills.
Clinical professionals note that this trend is global, but it resonates with Thai families who often feel pressed to secure future success for children. A Bangkok-based pediatric consultant observes that the intense focus on academics, paired with social media’s visibility of “perfect families,” creates ongoing anxiety and self-doubt among mothers.
Thai mental health officials emphasize that while wealthier families may have more resources, the belief in micromanaging every aspect of a child’s life is not limited to any one class. The drive to shield children from distress can inadvertently undermine independence and problem-solving in young people.
Traditionally, Thai parenting emphasized warmth and guidance within extended family networks. The shift toward nuclear families, greater urban pressures, and Western parenting models—amplified by social media—has altered how mothers respond to setbacks. Some experts worry that demanding quick fixes for every disappointment may limit children’s resilience.
Social media is cited as a major contributor to unrealistic comparisons, raising the expectation that “good” parenting means constant intervention. This dynamic can fuel guilt and burnout among mothers, who feel judged for letting children face disappointment.
However, Thai psychiatrists caution against oversimplifying the issue. Economic pressures, limited access to childcare, and evolving cultural expectations also shape maternal mental health. While the pandemic intensified these factors, the downward trend suggests deeper cultural patterns at play.
Researchers from Thai psychology programs align with international findings: overaccommodating children’s anxieties can hinder the development of coping skills. Mothers who suppress their own stress to maintain a flawless household risk depression and emotional exhaustion.
Some Thai child development specialists advocate a “love and limits” approach. This method combines warmth with clear boundaries. For example, instead of intervening to fix a poor grade or a sports setback, parents acknowledge the emotion, validate feelings, and encourage problem-solving, while allowing children to navigate the challenge.
Experts encourage families to resist removing all obstacles. Instead, they propose routines that promote empathy and autonomy. When a difficult assignment arises, parents can validate the struggle and offer strategies, letting children take ownership of the process. In a culture that prizes harmony, this shift may feel uncomfortable at first, but it helps build resilience.
For mothers experiencing depression or burnout, community resources and professional counseling are recommended. Recent government efforts to expand maternal mental health screening at public health centers signal growing recognition of the issue. More culturally tailored public messaging and school-based support are needed to address stress in family life and recalibrate parental expectations.
Looking ahead, researchers stress the need for cross-cultural studies that account for local parenting practices and mental health contexts, including Thailand. The U.S. study did not establish a direct causal link between overparenting and worsening mental health, but it highlights the importance of understanding cultural beliefs about parenting.
Thai families are encouraged to reflect on their approaches to distress. Public health campaigns, school programs, and community workshops that address children’s emotional needs and caregiver self-care could help shift norms toward sustainable well-being.
Practical tips for Thai parents include gradually allowing children to cope with small disappointments, modeling calm responses to stress, inviting open conversations about feelings, and avoiding constant upward comparisons. It’s important to recognize that children do not need protection from every negative emotion; learning to navigate challenges together can strengthen both generations.
For families seeking support, community health centers, mental health services, and educational counselors offer guidance. Public resources from the Ministry of Public Health on maternal mental health provide additional help and information, accessible through official channels.