#SiblingRivalry

A recent Slate advice column sparked a global conversation about how to respond when children pull “gross” pranks, like loud farts, and a spouse prefers to ignore them. For Thai families, the questions feel familiar: when should parents intervene, and how can discipline support both humor and respect? Updated research offers practical guidance that respects Thai values such as kreng jai (consideration for others), sanuk (joyful play), and harmonious family life.

A recent wave of discussion around parenting was sparked when Slate’s advice column tackled a relatable modern dilemma: what do you do when your young sons delight in “sickening” pranks—think sneak-attacks with loud farts—while your spouse says, “Just ignore it”? The letter, which quickly captured readers’ attention, touches on a universal parental struggle: how to respond to childish mischief, when to draw the line, and how much is too much in terms of discipline. With Thai families confronting similar antics, the latest research offers both validation and practical strategies for nurturing both respect and playfulness at home.