#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.

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.

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 wave of new research is challenging the conventional wisdom blaming children for misbehavior, instead placing primary responsibility squarely on parents and their upbringing strategies. According to a recent report by The Telegraph, and echoed by a range of scientific studies emerging in 2025, experts contend that a child’s behavioral problems can often be traced back to factors within the family environment, particularly parental attitudes, actions, and discipline methods. This revelation is sparking renewed debate and reflection in Thai households and educational circles, where traditional approaches have long favored strict discipline toward children who act out.

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 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.