#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.

A rapidly evolving digital world is reshaping how Thai children learn, play, and grow. With screens ever-present, many families face questions about balance, sleep, and well-being. New global research highlights how technology touches attention, mood, and creativity, and what Thai parents can do now to support healthier development.

Digital access has surged in Thai households, especially after COVID-19, when devices became essential for learning, entertainment, and staying connected. Data from Thailand’s National Statistics Office indicates that a large majority of youth aged 6-24 use the internet daily, with smartphones as the primary access point. While this connectivity offers educational and social benefits, recent international findings reveal the subtler costs of an “always-on” routine on children’s focus, sleep quality, creativity, and emotional health.

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 growing body of research and firsthand experience is reshaping the way families raise children. In a recent Guardian piece, journalist Marina Lopes distills five lessons from communities across the globe—Mozambique, Brazil, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Singapore—about communal parenting, intergenerational support, and fostering independence. The article reinforces a trend toward more collaborative approaches to child-rearing, which resonates with Thai families navigating tradition and rapid change.

In Lopes’ narrative, the author details a personal experiment in Singapore: after the isolation of the pandemic, she and her spouse chose to live next door to their best friends and raise their kids together. Communal parenting, she notes, is practical and relieving. Sharing meals, coordinating playdates, dividing chores, and receiving guidance from trusted adults broaden a child’s support network and sense of belonging.

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 in Developmental Psychology highlights how responsive parenting can shape the emotional brain of babies with sensitive or turbulent temperaments. When caregivers consistently attune to a baby’s cues, the developing brain shows patterns linked to better emotional regulation and empathy. The findings hold significance for Thai families and global parenting practices alike, suggesting adaptive caregiving supports long-term resilience.

About 20% of newborns are naturally highly sensitive—quick to startle, easily upset, and slow to settle. If these traits are not buffered by positive caregiving, they can increase the risk of later emotional challenges, including anxiety. In Thailand’s context, where harmony and self-control are valued, supporting healthy emotional development is a priority for parents and educators, and aligns with public health goals to reduce behavioral and academic difficulties.

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 Slate parenting column about a family’s sleepover ban on a school night has sparked a global conversation that now resonates with Thai readers. The piece highlights how one family limits overnight stays to protect homework, sleep, and a child’s nighttime routines. These concerns speak to many Thai households that strive for academic excellence while supporting healthy social development. Yet experts warn the issue is nuanced, tying together child safety, autonomy, and evolving cultural expectations in Thailand as Western practices blend with local traditions.

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.

Rising absenteeism and school reluctance are concerns for Thai families and educators as post-pandemic routines settle in. New global research on morning habits shows how simple, supportive routines can boost attendance and set children up for success. Insights from educational studies emphasize consistency, a calm start, and engaging family interactions to help children feel ready for the school day.

In Thailand, mornings in busy cities like Bangkok and in rural towns alike pose daily challenges for families trying to get children to school on time. A steady routine not only improves academic performance but also supports long-term well-being, self-esteem, and social skills. Data from reputable educational research indicates that regular attendance correlates with higher achievement, stronger self-confidence, and better peer interaction, which aligns with Thailand’s goals for Education 4.0.

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.