#FamilyCulture

Recent global research has unveiled the surprising power of grandparenting to shape the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation—a finding that carries fresh resonance across Thai society as families navigate urbanization, shifting demographics, and evolving intergenerational roles. In a new era marked by aging populations and increasing longevity, the influence of grandparents is being rediscovered not only as a source of emotional nourishment, but as a foundation for cognitive and social development in grandchildren, bridging family culture, and preserving critical intergenerational wisdom.

A recent research study has found that the strict, high-expectation parenting style widely known as the “tiger mom” approach can significantly enhance adolescents’ cognitive abilities—but may simultaneously undermine their emotional health. The findings, published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and widely reported by PsyPost, highlight the complex trade-offs facing families who adopt stringent methods in hopes of academic success.

For Thai parents and educators, the results are especially significant in the context of increasing concerns about youth mental health and a highly competitive education system. The “tiger mom” style, popularized by Asian families and often associated with relentless academic rigor and disciplined routines, has gained both admiration and criticism in Thailand’s urban, middle-class communities. As pressure mounts on students to excel in national exams and international competitions, understanding the effects of such parenting approaches is more critical than ever.

A new trend is emerging among mothers worldwide—a growing embrace of the ‘Type B’ mom identity that stands in stark contrast to the traditionally idolized, “perfect” parenting image long prevalent on social media. This movement, spotlighted in a recent TODAY.com article, is sparking conversations among experts and parents alike about the impact of parenting styles on both child development and maternal well-being (today.com).

The significance of the ‘Type B’ mom trend lies in its open rejection of rigid perfectionism and its celebration of patience, flexibility, and emotional support. For many Thai mothers, who often navigate the expectations of extended families, cultural pressure for “organized motherhood,” and the realities of modern life, this trend offers a refreshing alternative, raising important questions about balance, self-care, and children’s needs in Thailand today.

A recent study has shed light on the changing dynamics of information-seeking among children, revealing a striking trend: kids are more likely to trust Google than guidance from their own grandparents. This finding underscores the profound influence of digital technology on the younger generation in Thailand and beyond, raising important questions about the future of knowledge, cultural transmission, and education in the kingdom.

In an era where information is just a few taps away, Thai households are witnessing a significant cultural shift. Traditionally, elders like grandparents have been regarded as the primary sources of wisdom, life lessons, and practical knowledge—especially in rural regions and deeply rooted Thai families. However, with widespread smartphone access, high-speed internet, and the influence of digital literacy campaigns, youngsters today are turning to search engines for answers to their most pressing questions. This mirrors global findings that digital devices are now pervasive in childhood, according to studies by bodies such as UNICEF and the National Statistical Office of Thailand.

A recent parenting advice column in Slate has reignited global debate about family sleepover policies, a traditionally Western rite of passage now subject to renewed scrutiny among parents worldwide, including in Thailand. The column, titled “We have a totally reasonable sleepover policy. One family seems intent on breaking it,” spotlights one family’s choice to forbid school-night sleepovers for their daughter, despite social pressure and disappointment from both their child and her friends’ families. Their rationale centers on the importance of homework, adequate sleep, and their daughter’s struggles with nighttime routines—reasons likely to resonate with many Thai families navigating the challenges of academic excellence and socialization. But as new research and commentary reveal, this issue is far from straightforward, intersecting with evolving concerns about child safety, independence, and cultural expectations—topics that Thai parents are increasingly considering as Western norms and local traditions converge (Slate).

As Mother’s Day approaches, Thai families are once again looking for creative ways to honor the women who hold households together. This year, a lighthearted yet practical new guide—touted as “foolproof”—has emerged, making headlines for helping even the most gift-challenged dads choose presents that bring smiles on this meaningful day. The “Foolproof Guide to Mother’s Day Gifts,” published by Scary Mommy, is quickly gaining attention online and in parenting circles for its honest, relatable, and easy-to-follow advice.