#Householdchores

A recent feature in The Atlantic has reignited the debate over how parents should handle children’s chores, highlighting a common mistake that may be holding kids back from developing essential life skills. While many Thai parents are eager for their children to become responsible and self-sufficient, a closer look at both international and Thai family trends reveals that adults may be inadvertently preventing youngsters from gaining the confidence and competence that household responsibilities can provide.

A recent Atlantic feature rekindles the debate on children’s chores and lifelong skills. It argues adults intervene too quickly, dampening kids’ confidence and competence. For Thai readers, the discussion resonates with calls for practical skills, autonomy, and nurturing responsible youth in a fast-changing society.

The article follows a Montessori preschool administrator who watches classrooms where children use small brooms and dustpans. Rather than stepping in right away, teachers allow the process to unfold, prioritizing long-term development. By year’s end, the children tidy on their own and take pride in their contributions to the classroom community. This stands in contrast to common Thai household patterns, where adults often complete chores to save time in busy urban life.

A striking new trend in China, known as “reverse parenting,” is capturing attention worldwide as children take the reins of household responsibilities, preparing meals, cleaning, and even shopping for groceries — all while their parents look on with approval. This shift challenges traditional family roles and is backed by educators and mental health experts who argue that giving children more responsibility can instill independence, self-sufficiency, empathy, and discipline (News18; South China Morning Post (SCMP); India Today).

A rising trend in China, dubbed reverse parenting, shows children taking charge of household chores—from cooking and cleaning to shopping for groceries—while parents observe with approval. Educators and mental health experts say giving kids real responsibilities builds independence, self-sufficiency, empathy, and discipline. Data and discussions across Chinese platforms highlight how daily routines shift when children step into adult-like roles, offering a new lens on family life in the modern era.