#Familyfun

A new wave of research and firsthand accounts is reshaping our understanding of what “fun” means for parents in the twenty-first century, revealing that the arrival of children often profoundly changes not just daily routines, but a parent’s entire experience of leisure, pleasure, and joy. This evolving definition of fun holds particular significance for Thai families, who are navigating their own blend of traditional expectations and modern pressures amid rapid economic and social change.

A growing body of research and personal narratives is reshaping what “fun” means for today’s parents. The arrival of children often changes not just routines, but a parent’s entire experience of leisure, joy, and connection. For Thai families, this shift comes amid rapid social and economic change, making authentic, stress-free moments more valuable than ever.

Many parents report that becoming a caregiver upends old ideas of enjoyment. A recent Times personal essay, “Is everybody having fun? How parenthood rewired my idea of a good time,” captures how parenthood makes fun feel different. Before children, fun could be spontaneous and peer-driven. After kids arrive, the pressure to create moments of “fun” for the family can become overwhelming. The piece argues that letting go of forced fun allows for genuine connection and shared humor.