#BirthdayParties

A recent opinion piece in The Oregonian sparked renewed discussion about priorities in parenting: should compulsory family time trump participation in children’s birthday parties? The debate, amplified by a family policy declared by a parenting influencer, resonates with Thai families navigating how to balance Fun (sanook), community harmony (saamaaki), academic pressures, and time with loved ones.

In the piece, the influencer cites insights from well-known parenting economist Emily Oster and advocates reserving Sunday mornings for nuclear family activities such as outings and shared meals. The aim is to streamline schedules and strengthen togetherness, which the author says enables more meaningful interactions at home. In Bangkok’s fast-paced urban life, many families can relate to the desire for predictable routines amid crowded calendars.

A recent opinion piece from The Oregonian by columnist Lizzy Acker has sparked renewed discussion regarding family priorities in parenting, analyzing whether “compulsory family time” should trump traditional childhood activities—specifically, attending kids’ birthday parties. The debate, drawn into public view by a parenting influencer’s declaration of a family policy against weekend party attendance, holds wide-ranging implications for Thai parents and families navigating cultural, social, and emotional priorities for their children.

A spirited debate is unfolding among parents and experts after a popular economist and parenting author suggested that families might benefit by saying “no” to kids’ birthday parties, choosing instead to reserve certain times for compulsory family bonding. The discussion, sparked by commentary from an economist and parenting writer, has raised important questions about the balance between family time and social engagement, with possible implications for Thai families navigating similar issues.

A lively debate is unfolding among Thai parents and experts about whether families should reserve certain times for private bonding, rather than attending every kids’ birthday party. Sprouting from commentary by an economist and parenting writer, the discussions probe how to balance core family time with broader social engagement in a fast-paced, urban Thai lifestyle.

The conversation gained momentum after an economist described prioritizing family moments over social obligations—like Sunday morning parties—as a way to simplify life and focus on what truly matters. She urged families to define important rituals and set clear boundaries around them, a stance that has sparked both support and critique among health professionals and social commentators who warn about rising social isolation and shrinking community networks.