#Education

A new wave of scientific research is shining light on morning routines, emphasizing how specific habits can help children become not only healthier but also cognitively sharper. Parents and educators in Thailand are paying close attention to this trend, as recent global discussions—sparked by features such as “10 morning habits that make kids smarter,” highlighted by international platforms like the Times of India—reveal practical strategies that could be easily integrated into daily family life to foster intelligence and academic success.

A new wave of psychological research has highlighted the surprising effectiveness of a five-minute visualization exercise for quickly lowering stress, providing a compelling case for this practical tool amidst growing anxiety in modern society. The findings have resonated internationally, triggering fresh conversations in Thailand among educators and health professionals looking for accessible ways to address surging stress levels, especially among students and office workers.

In a world increasingly fixated on productivity and marred by relentless digital noise, Thai people face mounting stress—sometimes with severe consequences for both mental and physical health. Chronic stress is linked to a spectrum of issues including depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune function, as affirmed by global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Thai Department of Mental Health source. The search for safe, effective, and rapid stress management techniques has therefore become a matter of urgency, both in academic settings and the general community.

A new study by neuroscientists has provided the most detailed picture yet of how children’s brains function differently when reading physical books compared to viewing stories on screens, with important implications for educational strategies in Thailand and worldwide. According to research highlighted in a recent PsyPost report, distinct neural responses are triggered in young children during traditional book reading versus screen-based engagement—a finding raising vital concerns as digital devices become ubiquitous in both homes and classrooms.

A groundbreaking new study from the University of Michigan has found that a single dose of a novel psychedelic compound can produce weeks-long improvements in brain flexibility—a finding that could pave the way for innovative therapies targeting depression, PTSD, and neurodegenerative diseases. Using advanced research techniques on laboratory mice, scientists observed that the psychedelic 25CN-NBOH not only changed behavior in the short term but led to sustained cognitive enhancements, suggesting a fundamental shift in our understanding of how these substances might promote long-term brain health (Neuroscience News).

In a compelling new development that challenges popular notions of physical health, a Harvard University professor’s book asserts that humans may actually be evolutionarily built for sitting, rather than for long-distance running or relentless physical activity. This argument, summarized in a recent summary report, invites readers to reconsider ingrained beliefs—particularly the now-infamous comparison that “sitting is the new smoking”—and urges a reassessment of how we live, work, and exercise in modern society source.

In a historic breakthrough, scientists have finally confirmed a 67-year-old hypothesis about vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, radically advancing our understanding of how this crucial vitamin works in the human body. This finding not only settles a decades-old scientific debate but also unlocks new possibilities for eco-friendly chemical production, with potential impact reaching far beyond the laboratory.

The story of this discovery begins in 1958, when a chemist from Columbia University theorized that vitamin B1 might perform its vital metabolic functions through the formation of an elusive molecular structure called a carbene. Carbenes are notoriously unstable and tend to decompose instantly in aqueous (water-based) environments like the human body, making the hypothesis seem improbable for more than half a century. For years, the idea was dismissed as “crazy,” as quoted by Vincent Lavallo, a chemist at the University of California, Riverside, who led the recent research that validated this bold proposal.

A recent advice column published in Slate has ignited a nationwide conversation on adolescent privacy, focusing on the contentious issue of whether children and teens should be permitted to lock their bedroom doors at home. The column, titled “My Husband Doesn’t Want to Allow Our Daughter to Lock Her Door. But I Think She Might Have a Good Reason,” depicts a family conflict where parental attitudes about privacy and safety clash, raising complex questions about child development and family dynamics.

Ambitions for elite college admissions are casting long shadows over the aspirations of both Thai students and their parents, reigniting questions about competitiveness, parental expectations, and the emotional well-being of accomplished teens. Recent commentary published by The Washington Post highlights a growing anxiety among parents whose children excel academically yet may not reach the pinnacle of admissions success, raising concerns about the psychological impact on families navigating today’s rapidly shifting educational landscape [Washington Post].

A rapidly spreading psychological insight is capturing the attention of mental health professionals: a newly endorsed visualization exercise, easily performed in just five minutes, has been shown to dramatically reduce stress levels. The psychological technique, highlighted in a recent study discussed by Inc.com, requires nothing more than a few quiet minutes and the power of imagination—promising a potent, accessible remedy for the pressures of modern life for Thais and people around the globe alike (Inc.com).

Mounting evidence from recent global and Thai research makes the connection clear: financial stress is not just a matter of the wallet, but a serious threat to mental health. As economic pressures increase worldwide and in Thailand, experts urge individuals and policymakers to address the psychological toll money worries can inflict, while providing actionable strategies to mitigate the risks.

Recent coverage by NPR highlights just how deeply financial uncertainty—stemming from job losses, fears of recession, or shrinking savings—affects the psyche. While having financial reserves is a buffer, research shows that one’s perception of financial change matters even more. Social work professor Jeffrey Anvari-Clark’s 2023 study found that how people feel about a decline in income influences their mental well-being twenty times more than the actual loss itself. The narratives people adopt—interpreting difficulty as either a temporary setback or a catastrophe—can determine whether they endure the stress or slide into anxiety, depression, or even physical health issues such as high blood pressure and heart problems (NPR, 2025).

A new wave of research and expert advice has highlighted 16 crucial life lessons that parents and grandparents should instill in children, reflecting the latest insights from child psychologists and educators. The findings, recently featured by Parade magazine, underscore the pivotal role families play in shaping the emotional, cognitive, and social resilience of young people in an increasingly complex world Parade article.

For Thai families navigating fast-changing social norms and educational pressures, these expert-driven lessons offer both timeless wisdom and practical strategies to raise well-rounded, happy children. As society grapples with issues from digital overload to persistent academic stress, research shows that intergenerational guidance can provide children with the inner strength and values needed to thrive.

A powerful new wave of research and personal accounts is shining a spotlight on a persistent and striking divide: while European countries embrace children and families in nearly every sphere of life, American society remains hobbled by policies and attitudes that seem, at best, indifferent—and at worst, openly hostile—to children’s needs. The consequences reach far beyond inconvenience for parents, rippling through childhood development, public health, and even social cohesion.

This conversation about child-friendliness erupted once again following a viral first-person essay in Salon by a Philadelphia-based mother who described her travels through Berlin, London, and Dublin, highlighting the profound differences between Europe and the United States in daily life with children. Her observations draw attention to issues confirmed by social science research, expert commentary, and decades of comparative policy analysis.

A recent spotlight by the HuffPost has reignited debate about parenting practices passed down from the boomer generation, highlighting that several trends once deemed normal are now considered outdated, strange, or even potentially harmful by today’s parents. As Thai society transitions swiftly with global influences, these findings raise urgent questions for families seeking to nurture healthy, happy children in a dramatically changed world.

Traditional parenting guidance, from the belief in strict physical discipline to outdated gender roles and a dismissive attitude toward mental health, has long shaped parenting in Thailand and abroad. The HuffPost article, based on expert opinions and parental feedback, lists 18 specific practices from the boomer era that today’s parents often reject. These include using corporal punishment, shaming children for expressing emotions, and insisting on unconditional obedience, practices that were once seen as keys to success but are now tied to negative outcomes in modern research (HuffPost).

When parents undermine each other in front of their children, it is the young ones who bear the brunt of the damage, according to a growing body of research and fresh public discussion on the issue. The topic has attracted renewed attention following a widely shared advice column published by MLive in April 2025, highlighting how conflicting parental strategies lead to confusion, emotional stress, and behavioral issues among children. The column drew on real-life examples and practical advice, sparking conversation among Thai families and educators who observe similar dynamics in local contexts.

A growing body of evidence has prompted leading child development and neuroscience experts to urgently warn lawmakers that parental shouting and verbal abuse can alter a child’s developing brain, with potentially lifelong mental health consequences. Experts delivered this message in a briefing to UK MPs, sparking renewed calls for policy action and broader public awareness of verbal maltreatment, which is now being recognized as a significant—and prevalent—form of child abuse.

Recent scientific developments are rewriting the dietary narrative around carbohydrates, raising key questions for health-conscious Thais: are bread, pasta, and rice truly bad for you, or have we misunderstood these staples? Drawing on emerging global and local research, nutrition experts are dispelling myths and clarifying that the context in which we eat carbohydrates matters as much as their quantity or type, according to a detailed report in The Sunday Times Magazine.

A new wave of research spotlights the impact of simple but powerful words on children’s motivation, with psychologists and educators emphasizing that a few well-chosen phrases can cultivate resilience, self-esteem, and positive behavior in young minds. The concept recently drew wide attention following a widely shared article in The Times of India titled “10 golden phrases that can motivate children instantly,” sparking discussion across parenting communities in Thailand and beyond.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that one of the most effective ways to raise children who develop into open, conscientious, and agreeable adults is through regular displays of parental warmth and affection. The research, published in the highly regarded journal American Psychologist this April, offers fresh insight for Thai families seeking science-backed guidance in nurturing quality adults who thrive in society and at work.

In a culture where academic achievement and respectful behavior are prized hallmarks of Thai parenting, this new evidence suggests that the simple act of expressing affection may have lasting benefits beyond grades and manners. The researchers followed 2,232 British identical twins from infancy to 18 years old, analyzing in-depth recordings of mother-child interactions for signs of warmth and support. The result: children who received more affection—especially between the ages of five and ten—were measurably more open to experience, conscientious, and agreeable as young adults compared to their less-embraced peers.

Chile’s bold efforts to curb childhood junk food consumption have sparked international attention, prompting the question: if Chile can do it, why can’t the UK—or, indeed, Thailand? The South American nation’s sweeping package of regulations, focusing on marketing and labeling, has spurred a dramatic decline in unhealthy snack intake by children. This development has brought fresh hope to public health officials worldwide grappling with rising obesity rates among the youth.

A growing body of research is challenging the conventional wisdom that couples should wait until their careers and finances are fully secure before starting a family. According to a recent perspective published by Deseret News, parents who have children in their twenties can enjoy strong professional success, improved well-being, and meaningful family connections—with early parenthood offering a range of surprising advantages. The article, backed by studies and expert opinions, urges Thai families and policymakers to revisit their assumptions about the “right” time to start a family and consider the mounting evidence in favor of earlier parenthood.

A former middle school teacher’s straightforward revelations about student hygiene have become an online sensation, sparking international discussions—and prompting Thai educators and parents to re-examine everyday routines that can protect students’ confidence and health. At the heart of this viral conversation is a set of candid tips about childhood hygiene and self-care—advice that, though simple, may shield young learners from lasting embarrassment and health issues.

The story, originally shared on TikTok by former US sixth-grade teacher Maggie Perkins and reported by Scary Mommy, has resonated globally with parents, teachers, and childhood health professionals. Against the backdrop of Thailand’s own youth mental health and bullying challenges, the advice highlights how small acts of caregiving—including regular clipping of nails and cleaning much-loved school jackets—may spare children from teasing and isolation during one of the most sensitive periods of their lives (Scary Mommy).

A recent discussion on common parenting strategies has resurfaced in the spotlight, revealing how many parents deploy “white lies” as a means to encourage good behavior in children. The approach is widespread not only across Western nations but also within Thai families—sparking new interest among experts in child development as they debate the long-term effects of these seemingly harmless fibs. As Thailand’s younger generation continues to face mounting pressures in academic and social spheres, understanding the psychology behind these parental tactics becomes ever more important.

The long-standing rivalry between siblings has taken a new turn as recent research shines a spotlight on a surprising “villain” within Thai and global families—the older brother. A large-scale study from the University of Warwick suggests that birth order does matter, with older brothers more likely to become the family aggressors, especially when it comes to bullying their younger siblings. This revelation not only disrupts traditional assumptions about sibling dynamics but also raises important questions about long-term well-being, family culture, and childhood development in Thailand.

Human understanding of how the brain creates, stores, and retrieves memories may be on the verge of a radical transformation, as cutting-edge research from a team at Trinity College Dublin has upended decades-old theories about memory. Led by a leading neuroscientist at the college’s Institute of Neuroscience, this fresh research shows that memories are not locked away in single neurons as previously thought, but rather stored via complex interactions between groups of special neurons known as “engram cells.” The implications for neurological disorders, learning, and even the way we regulate our bodies are profound.