#Parenting

A growing debate among educators, psychologists, and parents questions the value of generic praise like “good job.” New findings and thoughtful commentary suggest that how praise is delivered matters as much as if it is given. As Thailand’s school year ends, understanding these ideas can help teachers, parents, and policymakers support resilient, motivated students.

In Thailand, phrases such as “ทำดีมาก” (tham dee mak – “good job”) are common in classrooms and homes. They carry cultural weight in a society that highly values achievement and family harmony. Yet recent research indicates that blanket praise may not be the most effective way to foster long-term growth or intrinsic motivation.

A comprehensive study from Harvard Business School shows that working mothers not only model professional achievement but also contribute to higher education attainment, better job outcomes, and greater happiness in their children. For Thai families facing growing workforce participation and evolving social expectations, the findings offer timely reassurance and practical implications.

Across 29 nations, including Asia, researchers analyzed data from more than 100,000 adults. They found that daughters of working mothers are more likely to be employed, reach supervisory roles, and earn higher wages. Globally, women with working mothers are 1.21 times more likely to be employed and 1.29 times more likely to supervise others. In the United States, daughters of working mothers earned about $1,880 more per year on average. These patterns suggest that a mother’s employment can positively shape children’s futures, regardless of the mother’s occupation level.

A new wave of concern is sweeping through families and health professionals as muscle dysmorphia—commonly called “bigorexia”—gains traction among children and teenagers worldwide. Recent research and high-profile warnings from mental health experts signal that this body image disorder, often overlooked and misunderstood, is swiftly becoming a public health issue, including for Thai families who may traditionally associate eating disorders more with thinness than muscularity. The phenomenon forces a reconsideration of how we talk to children about bodies, exercise, and the subtle pressures lurking online.

A recent article published by YourTango on May 23, 2025, has drawn widespread attention for highlighting 11 familiar phrases that resonate deeply with adults who grew up in financially constrained households. Titled “11 Phrases That Only Make Sense If You Were Raised By Broke Parents,” the piece unpacks the memorable quips and instructions many children heard, revealing far more than just humor or nostalgia—they reflect powerful social and psychological lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, and generational change (YourTango).

A growing body of research challenges the hard-edged “tiger parenting” approach—an intensely disciplined, achievement-focused style popularized by Amy Chua’s book. Once linked to academic prowess and long-term success, recent findings suggest such strict methods can harm children’s mental health and emotional development. The discussion resonates in Thailand, where parental sacrifices for exam success are a familiar part of the culture.

Tiger parenting emphasizes high standards, rigid rules, and minimal freedom for children to pursue personal interests. It often means controlling study time, extracurriculars, and even social life, potentially sidelining hobbies, friendships, and rest. The spotlight on this approach intensified after Chua’s publication, which described strict routines and no allowances for ordinary childhood experiences.

A mounting body of research is challenging the conventional wisdom around the so-called “tiger parenting” style—a highly disciplined, achievement-oriented approach made famous by the global bestseller “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.” While traditionally viewed as a pathway to academic excellence and long-term success, recent findings reveal that such strict parenting may inflict more harm than good, particularly in the realm of children’s mental health and emotional development. This conversation is especially salient for Thai families, where parental sacrifice for academic prosperity is often celebrated, echoing trends seen more widely across Asia.

A recent YourTango feature from May 23, 2025 spotlights 11 familiar phrases that resonate with adults who grew up in financially tight households. Titled 11 Phrases That Only Make Sense If You Were Raised By Broke Parents, the piece dives into the quips many children heard and how they reflect resilience, creativity, and changes across generations. The article mentions the original list as a gateway to understanding how money management and gratitude are learned in childhood.

Thailand finds itself at a crossroads of rapid social change: modern families are now grappling with questions of how best to raise children, as Western influences blend with longstanding Thai cultural traditions. A recent opinion published in The Guardian, penned by a grandparent observing the stark contrasts between parenting in Spain and the UK, has ignited fresh debate about “child-centred” parenting, a model increasingly popular across Thailand’s middle class. The writer argues that the Spanish “family-centred” approach nurtures happier, more grounded children compared to English-style “child-centredness,” which may inadvertently fuel anxiety and dependency. This raises urgent questions for Thai families—should we reconsider where the family, rather than the child, stands at the heart of our values?

Thailand stands at a pivotal moment as families navigate rapid social change. Western ideas about child-rearing have blended with enduring Thai traditions, prompting fresh questions about how to raise resilient children. A recent Guardian letter by a grandparent comparing Spain’s family-centred approach with the UK’s child-centred model has sparked renewed debate in Thai households about where the family’s priorities should lie.

The core message is simple: while kindness and respect toward children are essential, placing a child at the center of every decision can lead to anxiety and dependence. In Spain, the family unit takes precedence. From birth, children are expected to contribute to group harmony rather than assume they are the sole focus of attention. The author’s observations suggest Spanish children are generally more emotionally secure, with parents who feel less frustration. For Thai families, this raises a timely question: can we balance individual needs with the strength of a closely connected family?

A leading psychologist who studies children and digital screens has stepped forward with a deeply personal revelation: despite his expertise, his greatest regret as a parent was not doing more to limit his own children’s screen time. This admission, based on the latest research and expert reflection, is sparking vital discussions among Thai families and educators concerned about the growing influence of smartphones and digital devices on the next generation. The issue resonates across borders, but carries unique urgency in Thailand, where digital adoption among youth is surging and parents struggle to navigate the rapidly changing landscape Inc.com, MSN.

A new wave of parenting advice and research is shifting the conversation on child discipline away from the old routines of yelling, power struggles, and punitive punishments. Recent insights—such as those summarized in a widely shared Times of India feature on “10 ways to discipline kids without drama”—echo a growing international and Thai trend toward positive discipline, advocating calm, constructive, and emotionally supportive methods. This shift is not merely a lifestyle fad, but increasingly grounded in research and real-world outcomes that appeal to parents, educators, and policymakers seeking to foster emotionally resilient, responsible children.

A growing wave of research and practical guidance is reshaping how parents approach child discipline. Calm, constructive, and emotionally supportive methods are replacing loud arguing, power struggles, and punitive punishments. International coverage and Thai public guidance alike highlight positive discipline as a reliable path to emotionally resilient and well-behaved children.

For Thai families, changing family structures, rising stress levels, and evolving views on parent-child relationships heighten the demand for nonshaming approaches that still foster good behavior. Across the globe, studies show that positive discipline—built on empathy, natural consequences, and clear communication—strengthens family bonds and supports long-term development. Thailand’s education and health authorities have begun integrating similar strategies into official guidance and early childhood curricula, making these practices highly relevant for both urban and rural households.

A major new study has confirmed a troubling link: as preteens spend more time on social media, their risk of experiencing depressive symptoms rises significantly—a finding with profound implications for parents, educators, and policymakers in Thailand and around the world. The longitudinal research, published in JAMA Network Open and conducted by a team at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), tracked nearly 12,000 children over three years and delivered the strongest evidence yet that increased screen time can actually cause later depression in youth, not just reflect existing mood changes. For a country like Thailand, where smartphone and social media penetration among youth have soared, these findings raise urgent questions about digital wellbeing and mental health support for the next generation.

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 major study confirms a troubling link: as preteens spend more time on social media, their risk of depressive symptoms rises. This finding matters for Thai families, teachers, and policymakers aiming to safeguard young people’s mental health in a digital age.

Researchers from UCSF analyzed data from a large, long-term study of nearly 12,000 children, following them from ages 9–10 into early adolescence. They found that daily social media use increased from about seven minutes to 73 minutes over three years, while depressive symptoms rose by about 35 percent. Importantly, the study shows that greater social media engagement precedes increases in depressive symptoms, suggesting the online environment itself can influence mood, not just reflect existing struggles. In Thailand, where smartphone use among youth is widespread, these findings prompt urgent questions about digital wellbeing and support systems in schools and communities.

A powerful story from The Telegraph about parents losing two sons to suicide has sparked renewed discussion in Thailand about how families and schools can bolster young people’s mental health. The piece centers on a parent’s grief and questions whether today’s youths are equipped to cope with suffering in an increasingly complex world.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people worldwide, and Thailand is no exception. Data from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health show adolescent suicide rates have risen over the past decade. Experts attribute this trend to heightened academic pressure, family tensions, and the isolating effects of social media. The Telegraph article’s hopeful focus on resilience mirrors concerns voiced by Thai educators and public health officials about emotional fragility and the need for practical coping skills among students.

A deeply moving account recently published by The Telegraph, titled “Both of My Sons Took Their Own Lives. I Feel I Didn’t Teach Them Well Enough How to Suffer,” has reignited urgent conversations worldwide—including in Thailand—about youth suicide and the profound challenges parents face in supporting children’s mental health. The story, which recounts a parent’s devastating loss of two sons to suicide, highlights a poignant, widely shared concern: Are families and schools adequately preparing young people to cope with suffering and emotional distress in an increasingly complex world?

A renowned psychologist who studies children and digital screens shared a personal confession: his greatest parenting regret isn’t about work, but about not better limiting his own children’s screen time. This candid reflection, informed by current research, sparks important conversations among Thai families and educators about smartphones, tablets, and gaming. The message travels beyond borders, yet it carries a special urgency for Thailand, where young people increasingly embrace digital devices.

A major new study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has found a significant association between increased social media use and rising depression rates among young adolescents—a finding that is especially relevant as Thai families grapple with the impact of digital technology on youth mental health. The research, published this week and covered by KQED, tracked nearly 12,000 children and adolescents nationwide over several years and revealed that their social media usage rose sharply between the ages of 9 and 13, paralleled by a concerning 30% uptick in reported depressive symptoms during the same period.

A major study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) finds a significant link between growing social media use and rising depression among young adolescents. The findings are highly relevant for Thai families navigating the impact of digital technology on youth mental health. The research followed nearly 12,000 children and teenagers over several years and showed sharp increases in social media use between ages 9 and 13, coinciding with a 30% rise in reported depressive symptoms.

A new study finds that the strict, high-expectation “tiger mom” parenting style can sharpen adolescents’ cognitive abilities, though it may take a toll on their emotional health. The research, published in a peer-reviewed journal, highlights the trade-offs faced by families who prioritize academic success through rigorous routines.

For Thai parents and educators, the findings arrive at a time of growing concern about youth mental health amid intense competition in education. The tiger mom approach—often linked to relentless study schedules and high parental pressure—has both admirers and critics in Bangkok’s and provincial Thailand’s urban families. As students face national exams and international benchmarks, understanding this parenting style’s effects is increasingly relevant.

The challenges of speaking to teenagers about mental health remain complex and deeply personal, yet new research is equipping parents with powerful evidence-based guidance on building these critical bridges. As global rates of adolescent anxiety and depression have surged over recent years, family communication is emerging as a frontline defense in shaping positive mental health outcomes for Thai youth and their families.

For many Thai parents and caregivers, the desire to support their teens is often accompanied by uncertainty and anxiety over choosing the right words or approach. This unease is not unique to Thailand—research worldwide shows that conversations around teen mental health can be among the most intimidating for families to initiate. However, a growing body of science underscores the profound impact such dialogues can have on young people’s well-being. Evidence shows that when communication is strong, adolescents are more likely to feel respected, understood, and able to make healthier choices, while experiencing lower levels of depressive symptoms (Camino a Casa, 2024).

New evidence is helping parents approach teen mental health conversations with clarity and care. As adolescent anxiety and depression rise globally, open family communication is increasingly seen as a key factor in protecting Thai youth’s wellbeing.

For many Thai caregivers, the aim to support teens is tempered by worry about saying the wrong thing. This challenge is shared worldwide: conversations about teen mental health can feel intimidating. Yet science shows that strong, respectful dialogue can boost teens’ sense of being heard and understood, leading to healthier choices and fewer depressive symptoms. Research summarized by the Camino a Casa program notes that one in three teens reports poor mental health, a trend reflected in Thailand’s own health data. Mental health among youths affects school performance, relationships, risk-taking, and future opportunities, according to global health authorities.

A leading psychologist who has dedicated his career to studying children and screen time has publicly reflected on his biggest parenting regret, offering a sobering lesson for families confronting the digital age. The revelation, which has sparked debate in parenting and education communities worldwide, comes as Thailand also grapples with rising concerns about youth mental health, digital device addiction, and the changing nature of childhood.

The psychologist—identified as a highly recognized professor and researcher on child development and digital media—shared that, despite years of expertise, his greatest regret as a parent is not instituting stricter boundaries around his own children’s use of smartphones and social media. This confession resonates with many Thai families, where smartphones have become central to daily life, education, and entertainment, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic and the shift to online learning. But why does this regret matter so much now, both globally and in Thailand?