Double Standards in Parenting Expectations Spark Debate Among Thai Millennials
A recent viral video has reignited a global discussion about the generational double standards around family-building, as one woman called out baby boomer parents for pressuring their children to have kids—only to withhold meaningful support once the grandchildren arrived. The conversation, which originated from a candid social media confession, has led to broader debate in Thailand, where societal expectations around marriage, parenthood, and intergenerational care remain deeply rooted.
The woman’s video, reported by Upworthy, struck a chord with viewers by highlighting the gap between the persistent urging of older parents for their children to “settle down and have a family,” and the reality that, once grandchildren arrive, practical help—from babysitting to emotional support—can be limited or conditional. The case mirrors experiences shared by many Millennial and Gen Z adults globally, including those in Thai society, who feel squeezed by traditional expectations without adequate communal or familial backing (Upworthy).