#Family

A recent story published in Slate’s parenting advice column has sparked fresh debate and research interest into the psychological underpinnings of childhood fears—especially those triggered by well-meaning siblings. The case involved an almost-3-year-old who suddenly became terrified of going in her own backyard after her older brother invented a lake monster to keep her away from a potentially dangerous dock. Despite attempts to reassure her that the monster was not real, the fear caused lasting distress, including a newfound fear of the dark and the need for parental comfort at bedtime (Slate).

The pandemic reshaped family life worldwide, and Thailand is no exception. Fathers are taking on more active roles in childcare and daily routines, a trend that appears to persist beyond lockdowns. This shift matters not just for families but for Thai society, signaling evolving parenting norms and social expectations.

Before 2020, Thai culture often pictured fathers as primary breadwinners, while mothers handled day-to-day childcare and household tasks. The COVID-19 era disrupted these norms, with remote work and school closures forcing parents to stay home. Many fathers began assisting with online schooling, meal preparation, and playtime, marking a notable departure from traditional roles.

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally redefined family life across the globe, with Thailand seeing its own transformation as fathers take on more active roles in childcare and family routines. Recent reports, including an op-ed from The New York Times, highlight a growing trend: dads are spending more time with their children since the pandemic, and this pattern appears to be holding steady post-pandemic (nytimes.com). This shift has significance not only for families but for the broader social fabric, raising questions about the future of parenting roles in Thailand and beyond.

A growing body of research reshapes how Thai parents and educators view boys’ development. Findings highlighted in The Atlantic’s piece on parents of boys show that social norms and expectations — not biology — largely shape boys’ education, emotional health, and long-term success. This matters in Thailand, where evolving gender roles meet traditional values and national education debates.

Historically, many believed boys are naturally less verbal, less emotionally tuned, and more prone to behavioral issues. New studies, however, indicate these patterns arise from how adults interact with boys from infancy. Research cited in The Atlantic suggests the nurture gap begins early, with adults often speaking less and offering fewer emotionally rich interactions to baby boys than to girls.

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 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 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.

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.

A new study has revealed that among the four grandparents, one in particular may have a more profound effect on the lives of their grandchildren—a finding that offers fresh perspective on Thai family life and intergenerational support. Although the influence of grandparents is well-recognised in Thai culture, the research highlights the unique and measurable ways a specific grandparent can shape children’s well-being and development, reigniting conversations about the evolving dynamics of the modern Thai household.

A newly translated ancient Babylonian letter from a teenage boy to his mother offers a compelling glimpse into the universal strains of adolescence. The near-3,800-year-old clay tablet shows familiar patterns of family tension, miscommunication, and the quest for autonomy that still resonate with Thai readers today.

Scholars at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, have publicized the translation and context, sparking widespread discussion. Written in cuneiform and addressed from a boy named Iddin-Sin to his mother, Zinu, the letter expresses disappointment over not receiving new clothes and accuses his mother of neglect. The tone and grievances echo the style of modern teen messages, reminding us that emotional struggles in families cross centuries. In shaping the narrative for current audiences, researchers point to the letter as a rare human glimpse into Mesopotamian family life, illustrating that parental expectations and adolescent frustration were central to daily life in ancient Babylon just as they are today.

A recently translated ancient Babylonian letter penned by a teenage boy to his mother has captivated scholars and readers alike, providing fresh insight into the timelessness of adolescent-parent relationships. The clay tablet, believed to be nearly 3,800 years old, reveals familiar patterns of family dynamics, frustration, and communication issues—reminding us that the universal challenges of growing up and parenting span all of human history.

The discovery and subsequent translation of this letter, which has been widely circulated in both academic and mainstream media, underscores the enduring nature of teenage angst. The letter, originally unearthed decades ago in Iraq but only recently decoded in detail, is written in cuneiform and addressed from a boy named Iddin-Sin to his mother, Zinu. According to leading Assyriologists, the content is surprisingly relatable to modern families: the teenager expresses his disappointment for not receiving new clothes and accuses his mother of neglect, voicing his grievances in a tone that would not feel out of place in today’s digital messages between children and parents. The full translation and context for Iddin-Sin’s letter were recently publicized by scholars at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, sparking viral discussions online (Smithsonian Magazine, Live Science).

A recent surge in research is examining the impact of political divides within families, a topic brought to the forefront by a thought-provoking article published by The New York Times and republished by Ekathimerini, titled “I hate my parents’ politics. Should I keep my son away?” Such deeply personal questions resonate with families worldwide, including in Thailand, where shifting social tides and increased political involvement among youth are bringing generational values into sharper conflict.

A wave of recent research explores how political divides affect families, sparked by a provocative piece in The New York Times and echoed by Ekathimerini. The article asks a timely question: should a parent’s politics drive family estrangement? The discussion resonates in Thailand, where younger generations are increasingly politically engaged and values are shifting in public life.

The core issue: children of all ages wrestle with reconciling their own beliefs with those of parents and relatives. Polarized climates and the spread of misinformation on social media intensify these tensions. A key dilemma is whether to shield children from elders whose views clash with the family’s values. Globally, a Pew Research Center survey finds 61% of adults in advanced economies report heated political debates at home, and 15% avoid certain relatives because of disagreements. In Thailand, rising political awareness among youth underscores the relevance of these dynamics for families.

Meeting your partner’s parents for the first time can be a nerve-wracking milestone, but recent expert insights offer practical strategies for making the best impression. Drawing on specialist advice compiled by relationship counsellors, psychologists, and family therapists, these tips highlight both universal etiquette and subtle cultural nuances particularly relevant for Thai readers navigating family introductions.

The prospect of meeting a partner’s parents holds considerable weight in Thai society, where family approval continues to play a central role in shaping romantic relationships and future marriage prospects. Against this backdrop, understanding psychological best practices can help young couples foster meaningful connections with their future in-laws, reduce stress, and build mutual trust right from the outset.

A global conversation is sharpening around parenting styles that are often seen as normal or strict. Psychologists warn that excessive control, harsh discipline, and emotional distance can harm children’s emotional health and long-term development. Research summarized in mainstream sources indicates that authoritarian approaches may undermine resilience, while balanced, warm guidance supports better outcomes for children.

In Thailand, where respect for elders and family hierarchy are deeply rooted, parenting practices are especially scrutinized. Traditional Thai norms have often favored strictness and high expectations. Now experts emphasize that warmth, dialogue, and clear boundaries are essential for healthy child development, aligning with evolving Thai educational and mental health priorities.

A wave of international concern is building as psychologists and child development experts warn that a commonly practiced parenting style, sometimes seen as “normal” or “strict,” can actually have lasting negative effects on children. According to a recent report in the New York Post, this approach—characterized by excessive control, harsh discipline, and a lack of emotional warmth—may undermine children’s emotional health and long-term wellbeing NY Post.

Parenting is a sensitive topic across cultures, especially as the foundations laid in early childhood often shape a person’s capabilities, relationships, and mental resilience. In Thailand, where cultural values around respect for elders and family hierarchy are deeply ingrained, the conversation on parenting practices is especially relevant. Traditional Thai parenting sometimes leans toward strictness and high expectations, echoing aspects of the style that experts are now cautioning against.

Meeting a partner’s parents for the first time is a milestone that can shape a relationship’s trajectory. Expert guidance from relationship professionals emphasizes practical steps that work across cultures, with careful adaptation for Thai norms and family dynamics.

In Thai society, family approval remains influential when dating and considering long-term commitments. Understanding psychological best practices helps couples build trust with future in-laws, reduce stress, and create a positive first impression that supports ongoing family harmony.

A Washington Post column sparked debate after a grandmother described letting her 2½-year-old granddaughter cry for up to 30 minutes to encourage independence and ease preschool routines. Scientists and child psychologists now urge a nuanced, compassionate approach, especially for Thai families juggling traditional wisdom with modern parenting guidance.

The core scenario is familiar: a tired, hungry, or emotionally seeking toddler cries for attention after time apart from working parents. In Thai culture, many grandparents instinctively respond with quick comfort, reflecting long-standing beliefs about nurturing and emotional warmth in early childhood. Contemporary voices, meanwhile, warn that over-responses can “spoil” toddlers or foster dependency. The question remains: what does science say about how caregivers should respond to toddler distress?

A growing body of research and firsthand experience is reshaping the way families raise children. In a recent Guardian piece, journalist Marina Lopes distills five lessons from communities across the globe—Mozambique, Brazil, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Singapore—about communal parenting, intergenerational support, and fostering independence. The article reinforces a trend toward more collaborative approaches to child-rearing, which resonates with Thai families navigating tradition and rapid change.

In Lopes’ narrative, the author details a personal experiment in Singapore: after the isolation of the pandemic, she and her spouse chose to live next door to their best friends and raise their kids together. Communal parenting, she notes, is practical and relieving. Sharing meals, coordinating playdates, dividing chores, and receiving guidance from trusted adults broaden a child’s support network and sense of belonging.

A rising tide of research and real-world experience is challenging the notion that parenting should be a solitary journey. In a compelling new article from The Guardian, journalist Marina Lopes shares five vital lessons from communities around the globe—Mozambique, Brazil, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Singapore—highlighting the profound benefits of communal parenting, intergenerational support, and greater independence for children (“Please, yell at my kids! Five lessons I’ve learned about good parenting from around the world” The Guardian, 2025). Lopes’ revelations echo a growing body of research and hold special significance for Thai families balancing tradition and modernity in a time of rapid social change.

A recent column in The Washington Post prompted fierce debate after a grandmother described her daughter’s strategy of letting a 2½-year-old granddaughter cry for up to 30 minutes rather than picking her up—a response designed, the parents say, to encourage independence and make things easier for teachers at preschool. But is “crying it out” appropriate or potentially harmful at this age? New neuroscience studies and child psychology experts urge a more nuanced, compassionate approach, especially for young Thai families navigating traditional and modern parenting advice.

Gisele Bündchen, the globally renowned supermodel, is once again in the spotlight, but this time not for her runway achievements or high-profile campaigns. Instead, her recent transition into parenthood has prompted neighbors to speak out about what kind of presence she is within the local community. Following the birth of her newborn son, discussions among locals have drawn attention to Bündchen’s personality beyond her public persona and provided insights into how celebrity parents can influence their immediate environment.

A new article making waves online explores 11 subtle yet powerful indicators that a person was raised by a “high-quality parent”—those whose approach to parenting promotes not only emotional intelligence and confidence, but also an enduring sense of self-worth and resilience as children grow into adulthood. Drawing upon recent psychological research, the piece offers insights for Thai readers keen to reflect on their family experiences, or seeking to nurture similar strengths in the next generation (YourTango).