#Parentingtips

The US government’s bold decision to phase out a suite of artificial food dyes by 2026 has sparked global conversations about food safety and consumer protection, sending ripples across Thailand’s food industry and raising fresh questions for local parents, shoppers, and health experts. The move—unfolding under the direction of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—targets at least eight petroleum-derived synthetic colorants, with US officials warning that the dyes’ risks sharply outweigh their rainbow-hued appeal in familiar snacks, beverages, and even unexpected pantry staples.

In a fast-changing digital landscape, Thai parents face unprecedented challenges—some of which may come as a shock. As children grow up surrounded by screens, social media, and a seemingly endless cycle of online stimulation, their developing brains and emotional wellbeing may be at higher risk than previously understood. Recent research and global headlines underscore the importance of understanding the profound ways that technology is reshaping childhood—and what every parent needs to act on before it’s too late.

A rising tide of research and real-world experience is challenging the notion that parenting should be a solitary journey. In a compelling new article from The Guardian, journalist Marina Lopes shares five vital lessons from communities around the globe—Mozambique, Brazil, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Singapore—highlighting the profound benefits of communal parenting, intergenerational support, and greater independence for children (“Please, yell at my kids! Five lessons I’ve learned about good parenting from around the world” The Guardian, 2025). Lopes’ revelations echo a growing body of research and hold special significance for Thai families balancing tradition and modernity in a time of rapid social change.

A new study published just days ago in “Developmental Psychology” has spotlighted the remarkable impact of responsive parenting on infants born with sensitive or “turbulent” temperaments—a revelation with far-reaching significance for Thai families and global parenting practices alike (Neuroscience News). Researchers report that attuned caregiving, in which parents accurately and consistently respond to a baby’s cues, can “rewire” the developing brain to foster better emotional regulation and empathy, especially in babies most at risk for later anxiety and emotional difficulties.

A recent parenting advice column in Slate has reignited global debate about family sleepover policies, a traditionally Western rite of passage now subject to renewed scrutiny among parents worldwide, including in Thailand. The column, titled “We have a totally reasonable sleepover policy. One family seems intent on breaking it,” spotlights one family’s choice to forbid school-night sleepovers for their daughter, despite social pressure and disappointment from both their child and her friends’ families. Their rationale centers on the importance of homework, adequate sleep, and their daughter’s struggles with nighttime routines—reasons likely to resonate with many Thai families navigating the challenges of academic excellence and socialization. But as new research and commentary reveal, this issue is far from straightforward, intersecting with evolving concerns about child safety, independence, and cultural expectations—topics that Thai parents are increasingly considering as Western norms and local traditions converge (Slate).

Recent revelations from global educational research, including findings highlighted by the Times of India in their coverage on “10 morning habits that encourage children to go to school,” underscore the significance of cultivating consistent, supportive morning routines for school-aged children. With absenteeism and school refusal a growing concern for Thai families and educators, especially in the evolving landscape after COVID-19 disruptions, this research offers valuable, evidence-backed insights tailored for both urban and upcountry Thai lifestyles source.

In an era where screens dominate everyday life, recent research has raised alarms about the mental health implications of prolonged screen exposure among teenagers, particularly girls. This concern is highly relevant for Thai families navigating the complexities of a digitally connected world. The study highlighted by Tanya Srivastava emphasizes a concerning link between increased screen time and the rise of depressive symptoms in young girls. As digital activities expand from schoolwork to social media and entertainment platforms, understanding these impacts is vital for the well-being of our youth.