#Parenting

A growing wave of research signals a global shift: Gen Z parents are reading to their children less, raising concerns about early literacy and emotional development. A HarperCollins UK survey, highlighted by The Guardian, shows fewer than half of Gen Z parents find reading aloud enjoyable, while about one in three treat reading as a learning task rather than a shared activity. This trend contrasts with earlier generations and raises questions about long-term language growth for Thai families as well.

A new meta-analysis is challenging popular perceptions about the roots of narcissism, suggesting that early childhood attachments may play a significant role—particularly in the development of vulnerable narcissism. The findings, synthesized from more than 10,000 participants across 33 studies, shed new light on how varying attachment styles developed in childhood correlate with adult narcissistic traits, a topic with deep resonance for families and mental health professionals in Thailand and globally (Firstpost).

A recent meta-analysis challenges common beliefs about the roots of narcissism, suggesting that early attachment patterns in childhood may influence the development of vulnerable narcissism in adulthood. The study synthesizes data from more than 10,000 participants across 33 studies, highlighting how insecure attachments in childhood relate to adult narcissistic traits. This has clear relevance for families and mental health professionals in Thailand and beyond, as researchers emphasize careful interpretation rather than labeling individuals.

A wave of new research challenges the idea that misbehavior rests mainly with children. Instead, experts emphasize the pivotal role of parents and how upbringing shapes behavior. This trend, echoed by scientific studies across 2025, suggests family dynamics—parental attitudes, actions, and discipline methods—greatly influence a child’s conduct. The findings are prompting renewed reflection among Thai families and educators who have long leaned toward strict discipline.

Historically, child misbehavior has been seen as a matter of will or character. Recent international studies, however, indicate behaviors are significantly shaped by the home environment. The argument is that parental behavior and emotional climate can map directly onto a child’s conduct and well-being. Notably, a media feature from a major British outlet highlighted experts who warn against blaming children in isolation and call for examining parenting patterns instead.

As summer holidays begin and school schedules wind down, a growing body of research underscores a critical link between regular exercise and the mental well-being of teenagers. A new nationwide survey conducted by Planet Fitness in the United States, highlighted by Parents.com, reveals that an overwhelming 90% of teens say exercise makes them feel happy—yet half also admit their physical activity drops sharply during the summer break. For Thai families, where rising concerns about youth mental health mirror global patterns, these findings renew urgent questions about how to maintain teenagers’ motivation for healthy movement year-round.

As summer holidays begin and schools wind down, research increasingly links regular exercise with better mental well-being for teenagers. A nationwide survey in the United States found that 90% of teens say exercise makes them feel happy, yet many admit their activity drops during long breaks. For Thai families, rising concerns about youth mental health echo global trends, prompting questions about sustaining motivation for healthy movement year-round.

This topic matters in Thailand, where shifts in lifestyle and screen time influence teen habits. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF Thailand show rising sedentary behavior, while recent local studies indicate that regular physical activity boosts well-being into adulthood. With school-based sports paused during holidays, families and educators face the challenge of keeping teens engaged in movement.

A recent large-scale study has revealed a significant decline in mothers’ mental health across socioeconomic groups between 2016 and 2023, raising urgent questions about the impact of intensive parenting practices on psychological well-being. Health and education experts in Thailand, where family and achievement hold central roles in society, are watching these findings closely for clues about parenting’s evolving pressures and how best to support families through them (Boston Globe).

In a groundbreaking analysis involving almost 200,000 mothers and data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, researchers observed the percentage of mothers reporting “excellent” mental health drop from 38.4% in 2016 to just 25.8% in 2023. Meanwhile, the prevalence of those rating their mental health as “fair” or “poor” rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. This decline cuts across mothers with children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers, and extends through varied economic backgrounds.

A new, large-scale study reveals a notable drop in mothers’ mental health from 2016 to 2023 across socioeconomic groups. As Thailand places high value on family harmony and achievement, Thai health and education experts are keen to understand how intensive parenting practices might be contributing to rising stress among mothers and families.

The study tracked nearly 200,000 mothers, using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health. It found that the share reporting “excellent” mental health fell from 38.4% in 2016 to 25.8% in 2023. Those rating their mental health as “fair” or “poor” rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. The decline spans ages from newborns to teenagers and crosses economic backgrounds.

A growing body of research and a compelling new book suggest that the secret to raising ultra-successful children isn’t micromanaging their lives but rather stepping back—supporting, guiding, and letting them try, fail, and try again. In a recent CNN feature drawing on journalist Susan Dominus’s book “The Family Dynamic: A Journey Into the Mystery of Sibling Success,” rare insights are offered from families who have raised Olympic athletes, high-powered entrepreneurs, renowned writers, and accomplished professionals. The key, it seems, is not hovering over every homework assignment or soccer practice but providing a warm, supportive home environment while nurturing independence and resilience (CNN).

The debate over whether a child is a “living room kid” or a “bedroom kid” is stirring interest among parents, psychologists, and educators across the globe, with implications resonating right here in Thailand. As new parenting trends sweep through social media, the question of where children prefer to spend their time at home is emerging as a unique lens into family dynamics, parenting styles, and even children’s mental health.

This topic’s rise in prominence reveals more than just quirks—it speaks to the core of childhood safety, comfort, and the way Thai families can nurture their home environments. According to a recent feature in the New York Post, the choice between shared family spaces and private bedrooms is far from trivial. Experts argue that a child’s preferred environment reveals important clues about their personality, developmental stage, and underlying feelings of security within the family.

A recent global debate on where children prefer to spend time—shared living spaces vs. private bedrooms—offers new insight into family dynamics, parenting styles, and child well-being. In Thailand, this discussion resonates as urban living, multi-generational households, and compact homes shape daily life for many families.

Leading research suggests that a child’s preferred space can reflect safety, comfort, and emotional needs. Living room kids gravitate toward communal areas like the living room, kitchen, and dining room. They tend to be expressive, playful, and closely connected to family activities. Experts describe these children as finding “the sound of safety, comfort, and connection” in the bustle of home life.

A growing body of research suggests that raising ultra-successful children isn’t about micromanagement. Instead, a warm, supportive home that invites independence and resilience may matter most. A recent feature draws on journalist Susan Dominus’s work in The Family Dynamic: A Journey Into the Mystery of Sibling Success, sharing stories from families with Olympic athletes, tech innovators, and renowned writers. The lesson is clear: trust professionals, back kids from the sidelines, and let them try, fail, and try again.

A leading child psychologist who has observed over 200 parent-child relationships claims that creating emotional safety at home is the most effective approach for raising well-adjusted children. The findings, recently shared by a clinical expert who wrote for CNBC Make It, offer new guidance for Thai parents navigating an ever-changing family landscape—and challenge assumptions about being “strict” or “permissive” as the only available options.

The concept, called “emotionally safe parenting,” prioritises a deep attunement to a child’s emotional needs over harsh discipline or unlimited permissiveness. Instead, it balances firm boundaries with acceptance and open communication. This parenting methodology, developed after years of research and observation, is gaining traction worldwide and may hold special resonance in Thailand, where traditional values and modern influences are in continual negotiation.

A senior child psychologist who has studied more than 200 parent-child relationships says that emotional safety at home is the most effective approach to raising well-adjusted children. The findings, shared by a clinical expert for CNBC Make It, offer new guidance for Thai families navigating rapid social change and challenge the assumption that being strictly strict or permissive is the only option.

Emotionally safe parenting centers on tuning in to a child’s emotional needs rather than relying on harsh discipline or limitless freedom. It balances firm boundaries with acceptance and open conversation. After years of research, this approach is gaining global traction and resonates in Thailand, where tradition meets modern influences.

As Thai teens prepare to step outside the comforts of home and into the wider world, new research and global commentary are converging on a single point: academic success is no longer sufficient for thriving in adulthood. A recent article by The Times of India highlights eight vital life skills every teenager should master before leaving home, affirming a trend reflected in research across Asia and international educational frameworks (Times of India). These skills—ranging from practical habits like cooking and punctuality to deeper competencies such as emotional regulation and the art of graceful disagreement—are increasingly recognized as the bedrock of personal responsibility and social participation.

Thai teens are stepping beyond home and into a fast-changing world. Global voices converge on a clear message: academic success alone isn’t enough to thrive in adulthood. A recent feature in The Times of India highlighted eight essential life skills every teenager should master before leaving home. This aligns with research across Asia and international education frameworks, underscoring that practical habits—from cooking to emotional regulation and constructive disagreement—are the groundwork for personal responsibility and social participation.

What does it take to raise confident, adaptable, and happy children in today’s fast-changing world? According to renowned entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban, the answer is surprisingly simple: “Let them be themselves.” Cuban’s approach, recently spotlighted in a viral social media story about a family’s hands-off support for their son’s camping experiment, resonates not only with parents but also with a growing body of research suggesting that autonomy and supportive parenting are key ingredients for healthy child development. As Thai families continue to navigate the challenges of modern education and parenting, these insights offer valuable lessons on nurturing the next generation for success and well-being.

Morning meditation is gaining momentum as a practical tool for Thai families and schools. New research suggests that just 10 minutes of mindful practice each morning can improve well-being, emotional health, and learning capacity in children. As education in Thailand becomes more demanding amid digital overstimulation and post-pandemic stress, a simple, accessible routine like morning meditation offers a constructive path forward backed by both international and Thai evidence.

Why this matters for Thai readers: Thailand faces rising academic pressures and concerns about student mental health. Meditation—rooted in Thai Buddhist traditions—gains fresh relevance as clinical studies from around the world, and local Thai investigations, indicate meaningful benefits for young people. This aligns with families and educators seeking low-cost methods to help children cope, stay engaged, and cultivate happiness.

Recent research is shining a spotlight on meditation for children, with evidence showing that just 10 minutes of mindful practice each morning could transform the well-being, emotional health, and learning capacity of young people. As Thai families and educators seek healthy, practical ways to foster resilience and academic success, morning meditation is emerging as a proven, accessible solution backed by growing international and local evidence (Times of India, wetheparents.org, Cleveland Clinic).

Why does this matter for Thai readers? The fast-evolving pressures of education, intense digital exposure, and post-pandemic anxieties have left many Thai parents, teachers, and policy-makers searching for gentle yet effective strategies to help children cope, thrive, and cultivate happiness. Meditation—firmly rooted in Thai Buddhist tradition—now finds new relevance, with clinical studies worldwide and in Thailand itself confirming its substantial benefits for today’s youth.

A simple idea—let children be themselves—may hold the key to raising confident, adaptable, and happy kids in a fast-changing world. Mark Cuban, the renowned entrepreneur and investor, emphasizes curiosity and autonomy as core parenting principles. His stance aligns with a growing body of science that links supportive, autonomy-rich environments to healthier development.

A heartwarming social story captures the essence: a seven-year-old camps out with his parents nearby, packing his own gear and choosing when to return home. The parents offer freedom and safety nets, avoiding pressure or overreach. Experts say autonomy support, when paired with responsiveness, helps children grow self-reliant and resilient.

A recent linguistics study has shed new light on a question that intrigues people the world over: What makes certain names particularly pleasant to hear? According to newly published research summarized in Psychology Today, scientists have taken a closer look at the sounds of names in different languages and cultures, and have uncovered patterns that explain why some names resonate so positively with our ears. This discovery holds intriguing implications for parents choosing names for their newborns, creative professionals inventing characters in fiction, and anyone interested in the science of sound symbolism.

A recent international study explores a curious question: why do certain names sound more pleasant to the ear? Researchers analyzed names across languages and found patterns in how consonants, vowels, and rhythm influence perceived attractiveness. The findings offer practical insights for parents choosing names, writers creating characters, and anyone curious about the science of sound symbolism.

Why this matters in Thailand: Thai names blend meaning, auspiciousness, and musicality. Parents, monks, and astrologers often work to harmonize phonetics with symbolism when naming a child. The study’s emphasis on how names “flow” musically resonates with Thai traditions, where the sound of a name can be as important as its meaning.

Recent headlines have ignited a lively debate among educators, psychologists, and parents about a long-repeated phrase: “good job.” Emerging research, prominent opinion columns like the recent Globe and Mail feature, and expert commentary are challenging the effectiveness—and even appropriateness—of generic praise in child development. As the school year draws to a close in Thailand, understanding the science behind praise has practical implications for teachers, parents, and policymakers seeking to nurture resilient, self-motivated youth.

New research by Harvard Business School finds that working mothers are not only setting strong examples for their children but are also shaping them into highly successful and happier adults, challenging long-held cultural assumptions about parenting and professional life. This evidence-based insight offers fresh comfort to many Thai families where increasing numbers of women are joining the workforce and grappling with societal expectations and personal guilt over their choices.

For decades, the debate over whether mothers should stay home or pursue careers has been fraught with anxiety, particularly in countries like Thailand, where traditional attitudes about gender and family roles persist alongside rapid socioeconomic changes. This research directly addresses prevailing concerns by demonstrating measurable long-term benefits stemming from mothers’ employment.