#Childrenshealth

A popular parenting essay asks if spending on fancy activities gives kids an unfair edge. (Business Insider) The question matters for families and for social fairness across Thailand and the world. (Business Insider)(Business Insider)

The essay describes high-cost options like infant survival swim classes and premium baby products. The author says some families face pressure to buy early advantages. (Business Insider)(Business Insider)

New peer-reviewed research links extracurricular activities and school sports to better child mental health. The study found lower depression and attention problems among participants during the COVID-19 years. (Frontiers)(Frontiers in Sports and Active Living)

Across Bangkok’s affluent neighborhoods—from Thonglor to Ekkamai—Thai parents increasingly face an agonizing dilemma that reflects broader global tensions about childhood, fairness, and social mobility: whether investing thousands of baht monthly in premium children’s activities creates essential competitive advantages or perpetuates unfair inequalities that undermine Thailand’s Buddhist values of social harmony and equal opportunity for all children.

A provocative parenting analysis published by Business Insider has ignited international debate by questioning whether families who spend heavily on elaborate childhood enrichment—from infant survival swimming courses costing 15,000 baht to exclusive language immersion programs—are providing necessary preparation for modern success or creating insurmountable barriers that prevent less affluent children from competing fairly in education and career advancement.

A new study reported by The Times reveals that parenthood, while generally linked to higher life satisfaction compared to remaining childless, does not guarantee happiness for all—particularly for those who begin parenting at a younger age or have multiple children. This nuanced insight challenges simplistic ideas about family, personal fulfillment, and mental health, raising essential questions for Thai families navigating choices about when, or whether, to start a family.

Across global societies, having children is often seen as a marker of adulthood and personal achievement. In Thailand, traditional values place family at the center of social life, with many expecting individuals to eventually marry and start families. But the latest research underscores that the benefits of parenthood are not the same for everyone, and factors such as the age of first-time parents, number of children, relationship quality, education, and economic security all play a critical role.

A quirky TikTok trend called “dinosaur time” has captured millions of views by encouraging people to eat more greens—simply by grabbing a fistful of raw leafy vegetables and chomping down like a prehistoric creature. With social media platforms increasingly influencing health behaviors in Thailand and worldwide, Thai readers may wonder: Is this new viral eating hack actually good for you, or just another internet fad? Registered dietitians and nutrition experts are weighing in, and the results may surprise you.

New research and inspiring family stories are highlighting a simple but powerful message: getting kids moving early in life can shape their health for decades. The recent tale of the McGurrin family, chronicled in the Bucks County Herald, underscores how participation in local events like the Sesame Classic run can cultivate foundational exercise routines that last a lifetime. As modern lifestyles become more sedentary, and only a fraction of children meet recommended physical activity guidelines, the lessons from both scientific study and community events send a clear wake-up call for families in Thailand and around the world to prioritize active beginnings (Bucks County Herald).