#Education

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.

A recent advice column in Slate has sparked a nationwide discussion about adolescent privacy and whether children should be allowed to lock their bedroom doors. Titled “My Husband Doesn’t Want to Allow Our Daughter to Lock Her Door. But I Think She Might Have a Good Reason,” the piece depicts a family conflict over privacy, safety, and growing independence. It raises questions about child development and how families navigate evolving dynamics.

Recent scientific findings are changing the dietary story about carbohydrates. For health-conscious Thais, the question is no longer simply “are bread, pasta, and rice bad?” but rather how these staples fit into a balanced diet. Global and local research suggests that context matters as much as quantity or type. The Sunday Times Magazine highlights that not all carbs are equal; the food’s source, processing, and what accompanies it shape health outcomes.

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.

Ambitions for elite college admissions are shaping how Thai families view education, driving questions about competitiveness, parental expectations, and teen well-being. A recent Washington Post commentary highlights growing anxiety among parents whose high-achieving children may not secure coveted admissions, underscoring the emotional toll on families navigating today’s evolving education landscape.

For many Thai families, admission to top universities at home and abroad is seen as a doorway to prosperity and social standing. This belief guides hopes and investments in children, even as elite admissions become increasingly competitive worldwide. The perceived prestige of prestigious universities remains a powerful driver in Thai society, where graduation from renowned institutions can open doors to desirable careers and influential networks. When outcomes fall short of perfect admissions trophies, both parents and students can internalize disappointment, a dynamic discussed by educational experts and echoed in local commentary.

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.

New research highlights how a few carefully chosen words can boost children’s motivation, resilience, and self-esteem. Psychologists and educators say simple phrases can cultivate a growth mindset and positive behavior. The idea gained wide attention after a widely shared article in The Times of India titled “10 golden phrases that can motivate children instantly,” prompting discussion among Thai parents and teachers.

In Thailand, where traditional discipline and encouragement play strong roles at home and in schools, strategic, supportive language could alter parent-child dynamics. Experts blend global psychology with Thai educational practices, suggesting affirmations such as “I believe in you,” “You are capable,” and “It’s okay to make mistakes” foster intrinsic motivation rather than mere compliance or empty praise.

A new wave of expert guidance emphasizes 16 essential life lessons for children, drawn from child psychologists and educators. The guidance highlights how families shape emotional, cognitive, and social resilience in today’s complex world. The advice was featured by Parade magazine, underscoring the pivotal role families play in a child’s development.

For Thai households navigating fast-changing social norms and academic pressures, these lessons offer both time-tested wisdom and practical steps. In a society balancing digital overload with rising educational expectations, intergenerational guidance can help children cultivate inner strength and core values.

When parents disagree in front of their children, the impact falls mainly on the kids. A growing amount of research and public discussion highlights how conflicting parenting approaches can create confusion, stress, and behavioral challenges for children. The issue gained renewed attention after a widely circulated advice column in April 2025 that described how mixed messages from caregivers can confuse and unsettle young minds, prompting dialogue among Thai families and educators who see similar patterns at home and in classrooms.

A growing body of neuroscience and child-development research warns that verbal abuse from parents can alter a child’s developing brain and affect mental health for years. Leading experts shared these findings with policymakers in the UK, prompting renewed calls for action and broader public awareness about verbal maltreatment as a serious form of child abuse.

For Thai families, educators, and society, the message is clear: emotional safety is as crucial as physical safety for a child’s growth. In Thailand, where respect for elders and hierarchical family dynamics are deeply rooted, language used at home, in temples, and in classrooms can profoundly influence a child’s self-worth, relationships, and resilience.

A recent landmark study finds that regular parental warmth and affection are powerful drivers of open-minded, responsible, and agreeable adults. Published in a respected psychology journal this spring, the research offers practical guidance for Thai families seeking science-backed strategies to nurture well-rounded individuals who thrive at home, school, and work.

In Thailand, where academic achievement and respectful behavior are valued, the findings suggest that everyday expressions of care can have lasting benefits beyond grades. The study tracked 2,232 British twins from infancy to age 18, analyzing detailed recordings of mother-child interactions for warmth and support. Children who received more affection, especially between ages five and ten, tended to be more open to new experiences, conscientious, and agreeable as young adults than their less-supported peers.

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.

A simple morning habit is attracting attention for potentially surpassing traditional routines like exercise and meditation. New reporting highlights evidence that exposure to natural sunlight just after waking could offer broader benefits for mental clarity, mood, and daily productivity. This trend resonates with health-conscious Thais seeking accessible ways to start the day well.

The analysis notes that while exercise and mindfulness remain valuable, sunlight exposure may play a pivotal role in regulating circadian rhythms, boosting alertness, and supporting hormonal balance. The emphasis is on practical, early-morning light—without requiring special gear or training. According to research cited by experts, spending a short period outdoors in the morning can support better sleep, mood, and cognitive performance. Data from studies in reputable journals illustrate improvements in sleep quality and daytime functioning when people get morning light.

Chile’s aggressive push to curb childhood junk-food consumption is shaping a global conversation on healthier diets for young people. By tightening marketing rules and front-of-pack labeling, Chile reports a notable drop in unhealthy snack purchases among children. Public health officials worldwide see this as a practical blueprint for addressing youth obesity.

The heart of Chile’s approach is simple and visible: large, black stop-sign warnings on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat; a ban on advertising unhealthy products to children; and restrictions on sales in schools. Since these measures began in 2016, families, teachers, and retailers have faced a clearer, more public health-oriented food environment. The World Health Organization has highlighted the urgency of reducing childhood overweight and obesity, noting a global rise that demands stronger action. In Thailand, about one in ten schoolchildren is overweight or obese, a trend mirrored by expanding fast-food availability and aggressive snack marketing.

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 former middle school teacher’s candid tips about student hygiene have gone viral, prompting educators and parents in Thailand to rethink everyday routines that protect confidence and well-being. The conversation centers on practical self-care for children, highlighting how small actions can spare learners from embarrassment and prevent health issues.

The story began on TikTok with a former U.S. sixth-grade teacher sharing straightforward insights, later covered by Scary Mommy. The message has struck a chord with Thai teachers, parents, and health professionals, especially as concerns about youth mental health and bullying persist in Thai schools. Advice such as keeping nails trimmed and caring for school garments is framed as a straightforward form of caregiving that can reduce teasing and isolation during adolescence.

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 study suggests that among four grandparents, maternal grandmothers often exert the strongest influence on grandchildren’s well-being. This finding adds depth to Thai family life discussions about intergenerational care and support in modern households.

In Thai culture, grandparents play a central role. Many families rely on extended kin, especially in rural areas, where grandparents frequently help care for children as parents work or migrate for economic reasons. Understanding which grandparent carries the greatest influence can help families plan support and guide policymakers in promoting child welfare.

A groundbreaking study from Trinity College Dublin is reshaping long-held ideas about how memories form, store, and are retrieved. Led by a senior neuroscience researcher at the Institute of Neuroscience, the work shows that memories are not confined to single neurons. Instead, they are stored within dynamic networks of engram cells—groups of neurons whose interactions create and link memories across time and context. This shift has wide implications for learning, neurological diseases, and how the brain regulates physiology.

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.

A growing body of evidence challenges the idea that couples should wait until finances or careers are fully secure before starting a family. A recent perspective highlights that having children in your twenties can coincide with professional success, better well-being, and strong family bonds. The message invites Thai families and policymakers to examine the advantages of earlier parenthood in light of evolving research.

In Thailand, the average age of first-time parents is rising, reflecting a global trend toward delayed family formation. Many Thai youths worry about job stability and personal goals, yet new viewpoints suggest that early parenthood can be a source of happiness and resilience. This discussion matters as Thailand faces declining birth rates, an aging population, and questions about how families support each other across generations.

A global debate about parenting tactics is resurfacing in Thailand, focusing on the common use of white lies to encourage good behavior. Experts say these fibs are widely used in Thai families as well as in many Western households, but questions are growing about their long-term effects on trust, honesty, and moral development.

These tellings — such as suggesting Santa Claus only visits after homework is finished or that the TV will break if watched during dinner — are often framed as harmless, practical tools. They can defuse conflicts in the moment and help set boundaries. Yet research suggests the approach may have unintended consequences as children grow older, influencing how they view truth and authority. In Thai communities, where family harmony and face-saving are valued, such tactics have deep cultural roots and are sometimes passed down through folk stories and traditional teachings. Data from international research indicates that frequent use of white lies can erode trust over time and shape a child’s attitudes toward honesty.