On the eve of Father’s Day, a new wave of research and thoughtful analysis is shining light on an age-old truth: fathers have a unique, sometimes underappreciated, influence on the moral and psychological development of their children. Recent articles, including a deep dive by Psychology Today, as well as data-driven findings from Barna Group and academic syntheses published by the Institute for Family Studies, are converging on the significance of fathers acting as models of virtue, discipline, and resilience—teaching not by lectures, but by living example (Psychology Today; Barna; Deseret/IFS).
In today’s society, where family structures and gender roles are evolving, understanding the distinct ways fathers shape their children’s lives is more crucial than ever. For Thai readers, this conversation echoes with urgent relevance, given that Thai families are balancing tradition and change, and young Thais are increasingly charting their own paths toward independence, adulthood, and virtue.
The latest psychological research, as summarized by Psychology Today, draws on cross-cultural examples—from Greek myth to biblical narrative to the writings of famous rulers and philosophers—to underscore the profound impact fathers have through their everyday behavior. Rather than relying solely on verbal instruction, fathers often teach by acting: demonstrating composure under pressure, modelling courage, or quietly sacrificing for the family. This “example-led parenting” is seen as a keystone of virtue ethics—a philosophy that emphasizes moral conduct through habitual action, rather than rules or consequences.
Modern empirical studies buttress these classic insights. According to a 2024 Barna Group survey, the quality of the father-son relationship ripples through generations: “Practicing men who experienced positive relationships with their fathers growing up are much more likely to report high satisfaction with their own children” (Barna). More than half of these men say they are “very satisfied” in their relationships with their own children, while those with negative or simply “neutral” paternal relationships fare markedly worse. The researchers caution that a lukewarm or absent connection may even be more damaging than occasional conflict, because it erodes the very foundation of trust and role modeling.
Compellingly, the data show that “intergenerational friendship” matters as much as blood ties. Men who maintain relationships with older mentors or participate in men’s community groups—much as is common in traditional Thai extended families and temple communities—report higher satisfaction in marriage, parenting, and even spiritual health, suggesting that the role-modeling effect can be reinforced beyond the biological father (Barna).
American research highlighted by the Institute for Family Studies and published in Deseret News has added further nuance. In a robust meta-analysis involving over 37,000 participants, parenting scholar William Jeynes found that “fathers tend to be particularly attuned to fostering independence in their children”—a trait ever more vital in a rapidly changing global economy (Deseret/IFS). Fathers, more than mothers, encourage risk-taking within safe bounds: letting children make mistakes, solve problems, and eventually step into adult responsibilities. This “grit cultivation” not only supports academic achievement but also protects against delinquent behavior, psychological distress, and failure to launch.
At the same time, experts are eager to point out that fathers and mothers are not interchangeable, and their influences are complementary: while mothers moderate with nurture and patience, fathers often emphasize expectation, discipline, and preparation for the world’s demands—a dynamic balance described as “holding close” and “letting go.”
For Thai families, these findings resonate within unique cultural patterns. Thai society treasures a deep-rooted respect for elders and places high value on harmonious relationships and filial piety, as seen in customs like wai (ไหว้) and the annual Father’s Day celebrations in honor of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej—himself held up as the very model of fatherly virtue and self-sacrifice. Yet, contemporary Thai families are also experiencing intense change: more mothers working outside the home, increasing divorce and separation rates, and an ascent in single-parent or skipped-generation households, often due to economic migration.
As in the West, Thailand is witnessing young people entering adulthood later; a phenomenon sometimes called “extended adolescence.” According to international datasets and local news sources, Thai young adults are now more likely to leave home in their late 20s, delay marriage, and often rely on parents—especially fathers—for economic and emotional support. This trend, partly driven by rising educational qualifications, high housing costs, and broader societal uncertainty, raises poignant questions about how fathers can best foster independence while maintaining supportive bonds.
Pastoral and educational voices in Thailand echo the findings of Western studies: a respected child psychologist attached to a leading Bangkok university observes that “involved fathers—whether through bedtime storytelling, working together on home repairs, or simply sharing time and listening—cultivate self-esteem, resilience, and moral reasoning in Thai children.” The official from the Ministry of Social Development notes, “We see the negative effects when fathers are absent due to migration or work, especially among boys, who sometimes lack positive role models for solving conflicts peacefully and taking responsibility.”
Significantly, Thai Buddhist teachings reinforce the importance of “leading by example.” The Dhammapada and the Five Precepts both encourage adults to practice right speech, patience, and nonviolence in the presence of children—traits mirrored in the best practices identified by the latest research. Monks, uncles, teachers, and even respected community leaders are often called “father figures,” showing that Thai culture intuitively recognizes the broader communal role in virtue formation.
The way fathers deal with their own emotions, interpret setbacks, or interact with their partners has lifelong effects. The Barna Group’s findings and those of the Institute for Family Studies both highlight that “modelled masculinity”—showing emotional steadiness, respect, and quiet leadership—helps sons (and also daughters) internalize standards of conduct. This is especially relevant in Thailand, where debates continue about gender roles and the meaning of “strength,” particularly among boys facing pressures from both traditional norms and 21st-century anxieties.
Another area of cross-cultural consensus is that father absence—whether from work obligations, divorce, or economic migration—carries measurable risks: increased rates of depression, poorer academic outcomes, and vulnerability to crime or substance abuse. In Thailand, where an estimated 1 in 5 children live apart from at least one parent due to economic migration to big cities or abroad, the government is stepping up programs that encourage regular contact, storytelling, and video calls between migrant fathers and their children.
Still, researchers insist that “it takes a village”—other father figures can supplement or even substitute for biological fathers, as in extended Thai families where uncles, grandfathers, or teachers play crucial roles. This aligns with Barna’s findings that community mentorship and peer-led men’s groups enhance life satisfaction, demonstrating that the principle of leading by example transcends family boundaries.
Cultural context, of course, shapes the form and expression of fatherhood. In rural Thailand, fathers are often the sources of “silent sacrifice,” working long hours in the fields, modeling diligence, humility, and endurance. Meanwhile, in urban families, where educational achievement is heavily emphasized, fathers may be more involved in tutoring or career advice, sometimes struggling to balance high expectations with emotional availability.
Crucially, studies point out that virtue transmission is not about perfection. Children learn as much from fathers’ errors—and subsequent corrections or apologies—as from their successes. Rather than pretending to be flawless, Thai fathers are advised to be transparent about challenges, show willingness to listen, and explain the motives behind tough decisions. As one teacher from a Bangkok international school describes, “what sticks are not just the rules, but the reasoning and compassion behind them.”
Looking to the future, experts urge vigilance against two risks: the weakening of positive paternal influence due to family breakdown or prolonged absence; and, conversely, the stifling of children’s development through helicopter parenting. Both—overinvolvement and underinvolvement—can erode the very virtues fathers hope to instil: resilience, independence, and a strong moral compass.
To build a healthier Thai society, several steps are recommended:
- Fathers should strive to spend regular, meaningful time with their children—sharing not just activities, but thoughts, feelings, and daily routines.
- Schools and temples can foster intergenerational connections, allowing children to interact with respected male elders and community mentors.
- Thai workplaces and policymakers can consider flexible scheduling or leave to make active fatherhood more feasible, especially for those working far from home.
- Single-parent and “left-behind” families should be supported, not stigmatized; new campaigns can encourage extended family and community figures to step into mentorship roles.
- Media and public messaging around Father’s Day and other occasions can highlight diverse role models—not only hard-working breadwinners, but also gentle listeners, patient teachers, and principled leaders.
For Thai readers, the message is clear: fathers matter—not merely as providers, but as living examples. Whether through teaching a child to wai with respect, solving a family problem with composure, or simply sharing a laugh at the dinner table, fathers help anchor the next generation in virtue. A “number-one dad” is not the one who says the most, but the one who lives his values most consistently—quietly and steadfastly, day after day.
For more on how fathers teach virtue and the scientific research behind these insights, readers are encouraged to explore the full article in Psychology Today, the data summary at Barna, and the meta-analyses discussed in Deseret News and the Institute for Family Studies (Psychology Today, Barna, Deseret/IFS).