#ThailandFamilies

A new international analysis shows that a father’s mental health during the perinatal period can influence a child’s development. The findings synthesize 84 studies and thousands of father–child pairs, highlighting a dimension of family wellbeing often overlooked in Thai policy discussions. Data from this work underscore the importance of supporting fathers as part of comprehensive family health.

Traditionally, Thai focus has centered on mothers in childrearing. The study expands the lens to show that paternal distress—depression, anxiety, or persistent stress—can affect children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical growth, with effects evident from birth through adolescence. Experts note the strongest associations occur in early years, while some domains such as adaptive or motor development appear less affected.

A landmark international study has revealed that a father’s poor mental health may negatively impact his child’s development, shining new light on the critical—but often overlooked—role fathers play in shaping their families’ futures. Published on June 16 in the prestigious journal JAMA Pediatrics, the review synthesizes data from 84 studies and thousands of father-child pairs, raising urgent questions about how Thai society supports men transitioning into fatherhood and the broader implications for family wellbeing worldwide (CNN).

A newly published study tracking nearly 200,000 mothers has found a significant decline in moms’ mental health across the United States from 2016 to 2023. According to research utilizing data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, the percentage of mothers reporting “excellent” mental health plummeted from 38.4% to just 25.8%, while reports of “fair” or “poor” mental health climbed from 5.5% to 8.5% in that period. While external factors such as the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic stressors are well documented, researchers and mental health experts are now probing the role of “overparenting”—the growing tendency for parents to become overly involved in their children’s emotional and practical lives—as a potentially underrecognized source of chronic stress and burnout among mothers (Boston Globe).

A new large-scale study tracking nearly 200,000 mothers in the United States finds a worrying decline in maternal mental health from 2016 to 2023. The data show a drop in mothers reporting excellent mental health from 38.4% to 25.8%, while those reporting fair or poor mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. Researchers suggest that beyond pandemic and economic pressures, there may be a connection to overparenting — the trend of parents increasingly managing their children’s emotional and practical lives. This analysis draws on data from the National Survey of Children’s Health and is discussed in contemporary coverage by major outlets.

Brittany Mahomes, known for her role as co-owner of the Kansas City Current and as the wife of NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, captivated fans worldwide by sharing a vibrant family portrait featuring their three-month-old daughter, Golden Raye Mahomes. The shared moment, posted during the recent Easter holiday, portrays a beaming family of five and offers an intimate window into modern parenting and public familial connections—an increasingly prevalent trend among high-profile families.

Brittany Mahomes, co-owner of the Kansas City Current and wife of NFL star Patrick Mahomes, shared a bright family portrait featuring their three-month-old daughter, Golden Raye. The Easter-time post offered a rare, intimate look at a modern, high-profile family, while sparking discussion about public sharing and family wellbeing.

In the image, the Mahomes family wears coordinated outfits: Brittany and the girls in pink, and Patrick with their son in polo shirts and white bottoms. The photos show the older children, Sterling Skye and Bronze, participating in Easter traditions like egg hunts and bunny baskets. Observers note how public families celebrate milestones while navigating privacy in the age of social media. Research from leading pediatric journals emphasizes that parents should consider consent, privacy, and digital security when sharing images of children online, as the long-term online footprint can influence privacy and identity.

A new study published in Nature Human Behavior challenges common stereotypes about only children. Researchers found that growing up without siblings can be associated with stronger mental health, greater creativity, and higher life satisfaction.

Led by a team of scientists in China, the study analyzed 7,186 participants aged 18 to 30. The research combined brain imaging, behavioral assessments, and socioeconomic and childhood trauma questionnaires. MRI scans compared grey and white matter in only children versus those with siblings, highlighting brain regions involved in thought, reasoning, and signal processing.

In a groundbreaking study published in the esteemed journal Nature Human Behavior, researchers have challenged the common stereotypes about only children. Contrary to the notion that single-child households breed “problem behaviors,” the study reveals that individuals raised without siblings often exhibit better mental health, enhanced creativity, and overall higher life satisfaction.

This comprehensive research, led by a group of scientists in China, including Jie Tang, Jing Zhang, and Wei Li, involved an extensive analysis of 7,186 individuals aged between 18 and 30. The subjects were evaluated using an array of methods such as brain imaging, behavioral assessments, and socioeconomic and childhood trauma questionnaires. Notably, the study utilized MRI scans to compare the brain structures—specifically the grey and white matter—of only children and those with siblings. The grey and white matter are crucial for thought, reasoning, and signal processing in the body.