#Discipline

A recent viral article highlighting 47 extreme punishments experienced by children at the hands of their parents is fueling worldwide conversations over appropriate parenting, child welfare, and the thin line between discipline and abuse. Titled “That’s Torture”: 47 Children’s Punishments That Only Showed How Unfit Their Parents Were, the piece has generated an outpouring of personal stories, expert warnings, and demands for greater awareness of children’s rights, including among Thai families and educators.

A viral article detailing 47 severe punishments endured by children has sparked global debate about appropriate parenting, child welfare, and the boundary between discipline and abuse. While controversial, the piece has prompted Thai families, educators, and policymakers to reflect on how to raise children with dignity and safety.

Reports describe punishments ranging from exposure to cold weather to prolonged isolation and various forms of psychological discomfort. Respondents called many actions emotionally damaging, with some labeling them “torture.” The online conversations have drawn responses from parents, teachers, and child development experts, who stress the risks of harsh discipline and the challenge of balancing authority with empathy.

A growing body of health science suggests devotion, not sheer willpower, may be the better route to lasting habits and wellbeing. A recent CNN feature, published June 26, 2025, surveys expert perspectives and real-life stories to challenge the idea that self-control alone builds sustainable change. In Thailand’s fast-moving society, the question of how to foster healthier routines—diet, exercise, digital balance, and self-care—feels increasingly urgent.

Traditionally, discipline has been held up as the key to success in classrooms, workplaces, and gyms. Thai families, educators, and popular culture often equate achievement with strict self-control. Yet health psychology and behavioral science leaders worldwide are offering a different lens. Across Thai life, routines intersect with mindfulness and self-compassion rooted in Buddhist culture, inviting people to view health as a gentler, more meaningful practice.

Shifting the focus from strict discipline to personal devotion may hold the key to building lasting habits and fostering well-being, according to new insights highlighted in a recent feature by CNN. The article, published on June 26, 2025, explores emerging expert perspectives and real-life experiences, challenging the traditional narrative that willpower and self-control are always the most effective tools for personal development. As Thai society continues its journey of rapid change and self-improvement, the question of how to nurture sustainable health and wellness habits is more relevant than ever.

A recent column by a retired psychotherapist in The Mercury News has reignited an ongoing debate on the efficacy of ‘gentle parenting’—an approach that emphasizes empathy and connection rather than punishment—particularly for parents struggling with toddlers who display aggressive behaviors such as hitting. The expert argues that while gentle parenting techniques prioritize the development of conscience, empathy, and emotional regulation, accumulating research now suggests these strategies may fall short when tackling persistent or physically aggressive misbehavior in young children. This timely question has global resonance and is particularly significant in Thailand, where parenting traditions, disciplinary norms, and family structures are rapidly changing.

A recent commentary by a retired psychologist in The Mercury News has sparked fresh debate about whether gentle parenting is enough for toddlers who lash out. The piece argues that while empathy, emotional labeling, and non-punitive guidance are valuable, they may not quickly curb persistent or physical aggression in young children. The discussion has global relevance and resonates in Thailand, where changing family dynamics and evolving parenting norms are shaping how families respond to misbehavior.

Recent attention has focused on the formative practices instilled in Japanese children, revealing cultural foundations that foster discipline, empathy, and a sense of community. Drawing from a recent article, “10 things Japanese children are taught in childhood” published by the Times of India (source), as well as supporting research and educational policy reviews, this report unpacks these quintessentially Japanese values, examines their impact, and explores lessons for Thai families and educators.

A recent exploration of Japanese childhood practices reveals a set of foundational habits that cultivate discipline, empathy, and community. Drawing on a Times of India feature about what Japanese children are taught, along with supporting research and policy reviews, this piece reframes these lessons for Thai audiences and educators.

Japan is renowned for social order, public respect, and strong educational outcomes. Beyond quiet trains and orderly queues, its core lessons begin in early childhood: emotional self-control, deep respect, patience, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and the ability to find joy in calm celebrations. For Thailand, which is balancing tradition with modernization in education, Japan’s holistic approach offers provocative ideas and practical steps.

A wave of new research challenges the idea that misbehavior rests mainly with children. Instead, experts emphasize the pivotal role of parents and how upbringing shapes behavior. This trend, echoed by scientific studies across 2025, suggests family dynamics—parental attitudes, actions, and discipline methods—greatly influence a child’s conduct. The findings are prompting renewed reflection among Thai families and educators who have long leaned toward strict discipline.

Historically, child misbehavior has been seen as a matter of will or character. Recent international studies, however, indicate behaviors are significantly shaped by the home environment. The argument is that parental behavior and emotional climate can map directly onto a child’s conduct and well-being. Notably, a media feature from a major British outlet highlighted experts who warn against blaming children in isolation and call for examining parenting patterns instead.

A viral video by an American kindergarten teacher has reignited debate on early childhood discipline, with a focus on one simple word: “No.” The teacher, who recently spoke out on social media, expressed frustration that many children enter school without understanding or respecting boundaries, blaming shifts in modern parenting for difficulty in classroom management. The video, which swiftly gathered more than 326,000 views on TikTok, has triggered global discussion on the best ways to prepare children for the structure of school—an issue with important implications for Thai parents and educators.

A viral video from an American kindergarten teacher has sparked a global conversation about early discipline, focusing on a single word: no. The clip, which has drawn hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok, highlights a growing debate about how to prepare children for school—an issue closely watched by Thai parents and educators.

In the teacher’s widely shared message, she urges parents to teach children to accept “No” as a complete answer before they start kindergarten. She argues that lacking this basic lesson can leave children unprepared for the structured routines of school. The teacher, who resides in Kentucky and is a mother herself, emphasizes that saying “No” is not about harsh authority. Instead, it is about establishing boundaries that foster respect, cooperation, and effective learning in group settings. Her remarks have sparked discussion about “gentle parenting,” a philosophy that emphasizes empathy and collaborative problem-solving.

A growing body of international research suggests that children learn discipline most effectively by observing the daily routines and habits of their parents, especially in the crucial hours after waking up. This insight takes centre stage in a recent article from The Times of India, which highlights “10 Morning Habits Parents Should Role Model to Instill Discipline in Kids.” While the original article offers a practical guide, the underlying message aligns closely with both Thai family values and the latest behavioural science: what parents consistently model each morning can shape a child’s character and self-control for life source.

A growing body of international research shows children learn discipline best when they observe their parents’ daily routines. This message shines through in a recent piece from The Times of India, which highlights ten morning habits parents should model to instill discipline in kids. The core takeaway resonates with Thai family values and current behavioral science: consistent morning practices shape a child’s character and self-control for life. Data from leading child-development researchers supports practices like regular wake times, healthy meals, and purposeful planning.