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Parenting in Cambodia

Raising Young Babies in Cambodia: Cultural Practices, Parenting Styles, and Child Development Norms

Thuy Bui

Introduction 

The early years of life are critical for shaping a child's holistic development, personality, and capacity for social integration. In Cambodia, the raising of infants and young children is deeply influenced by a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, religious beliefs, historical trauma, contemporary social dynamics, and evolving government policies. Cambodian parenting thus emerges as a blend of ancient postpartum rites, Buddhist-inspired ethics, communal caregiving, and increasing engagement with evidence-based, child-centered developmental approaches. This article offers an exhaustive exploration of Cambodian child-rearing, drawing from anthropology, psychology, and sociology, recent scientific research, and vivid documentary resources to lay bare both the continuity and change in practices that define the Cambodian experience of raising young children. 

 

Historical Evolution of Cambodian Child-Rearing Practices 

Colonial, War, and Post-War Legacies 

The fabric of Cambodian family life, including its parenting structures, has repeatedly been torn and rewoven in response to history's upheavals. The catastrophic Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) fundamentally ruptured both traditional family arrangements and intergenerational transmission of parenting knowledge. Children and parents were forcibly separated, communal living arrangements supplanted individual household norms, and psychological trauma became widespread1. In the aftermath, the restoration of family-based child-rearing became central to national healing, but these efforts were shaped by enduring trauma and altered social fabrics. Many survivors internalized strict, authoritarian parenting styles as both a legacy of their experiences and as a shield against perceived vulnerability in an uncertain world1

Studies of three post-Pol Pot generations indicate that while traumatic experiences have perpetuated cycles of authoritarian (“hot” or “big mouth”) discipline—marked by severity and emotional distance—there is also evidence of gradual shifts toward more emotionally responsive and flexible parenting, particularly among families who have benefitted from targeted interventions and support networks1

The Enduring Influence of Tradition 

Despite modernizing influences and historical disruptions, many traditional Cambodian customs and beliefs surrounding childrearing have endured, especially in rural or remote areas. Family and community remain central, and caring for infants is often shared among extended relatives, especially grandmothers, older siblings, and even neighbors—a testament to Cambodia’s collectivist ethos2

 

Traditional Postpartum Rituals and Maternal Care 

The Practice of Confinement and Heating 

After childbirth, Cambodian mothers traditionally undergo a period of “confinement,” during which both mother and child receive special care and attention to promote recovery and protection from spiritual or physical harm3456. Perhaps the most distinctive postpartum ritual is roasting (ang pleung) or “lying on the fire,” wherein the mother rests on a specially constructed bed over embers or charcoal. This practice, often lasting three days to several weeks, is intended to restore the mother’s “hot” state—believed lost during delivery—and to prevent a range of illnesses thought to stem from ‘wind’ or cold entering the weakened body53

Steaming and the application of heated herbal compresses and stones to the abdomen are common complementary practices. The steam bath, made by boiling galangal, turmeric, or other medicinal herbs in clay pots, is believed to cleanse the body of impurities, encourage uterine contraction, and beautify the skin. Roasting and steaming are collectively upheld by families, with elder women imparting guidance and reassurance. 

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Dietary Taboos and Prescriptions 

Traditional beliefs dictate strict postpartum diets. Mothers are encouraged to eat hot, spicy, salty foods (often involving black pepper and ginger) believed to replenish internal heat and fortify against “tos”—a physical or psychosomatic postpartum condition—while avoiding fruits, cold foods, and certain liquids. Rice wine, believed to expedite recovery and beautify the skin, is sometimes consumed in large quantities, though this has been identified as a dangerous custom contributing to maternal and infant health risks5

Anecdotal and formal research notes how these practices, while culturally meaningful, can sometimes conflict with medical advice, leading to delayed hygiene (e.g., avoiding bathing for several days), dehydration, and, in some cases, adverse effects for both mother and child5. Nonetheless, these rituals carry a social and psychological significance, reinforcing maternal status and strengthening family bonds. 

Traditional Birth Attendants 

Although the Cambodian government has regulated against home births attended by untrained midwives in favor of skilled facility-based delivery, many rural families still trust traditional birth attendants (TBAs), particularly older women in the community. TBAs provide culturally attuned support and are central to the postpartum rituals described above, while increasingly participating in government and NGO-led training in hygiene and referral for complicated births37

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Spiritual Protection, Naming Ceremonies, and Early Rituals 

Spiritual Safeguards for Infants 

The newborn period in Cambodia is seen as a perilous time, with infants regarded as spiritually vulnerable. Protection is sought through string amulets, special incantations, and religious blessings. A red string may be tied around the baby's wrist to ward off the spirit mother, and ashes or herbal pastes are sometimes used to consecrate the child and shield against evil. 

The Naming Ceremony 

Cambodian families commonly hold a formal naming ceremony (often on the third day after birth), in which Buddhist monks are invited to bless the newborn and select an auspicious name based on astrology or family tradition4. This ceremony is accompanied by prayers, food offerings, and the sharing of the child’s name and good fortune with the wider community. 

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Naming ceremonies serve both to spiritually anchor the child within the family and to establish their social existence. The involvement of Buddhist monks reinforces the integration of religious authority and social ritual in Cambodian parenting. 

 

Infant Massage Techniques and Their Significance 

Historical and Cultural Foundations 

Khmer infant massage is a time-honored practice intertwined with broader Southeast Asian traditions, signifying not only physical wellness but also spiritual care. Massage is believed to strengthen infants, protect them against illness, promote circulation, relieve colic, and foster emotional bonding between mother and child. 

A key distinction of Khmer massage is its gentleness—using the palms and fingertips to apply rhythmic, soothing pressure along the baby’s limbs, back, and chest, often accompanied by lullabies or gentle chanting. In some cases, special oils and herbal compresses are applied. 

Anthropological and modern spa sources note the cultural significance of these practices, emphasizing their integration into everyday caregiving and their role in intergenerational knowledge transmission89

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Scientific and Psychological Insights 

Emerging research highlights that regular gentle infant massage can enhance the development of secure attachment, reduce parental stress, and support social-emotional learning in infancy. These effects are echoed in Cambodian parenting programs that incorporate massage into workshops for new mothers and caregivers, blending tradition with psychoeducational support. 

 

Feeding and Weaning Practices 

Breastfeeding: Traditions, Transitions, and Challenges 

Breastfeeding enjoys cultural endorsement in Cambodia and is largely regarded as a cornerstone of healthy infant development. However, traditional practices, such as delayed initiation of breastfeeding due to the mother’s confinement or “roasting” period, can inadvertently deprive babies of colostrum—the nutrient-rich “first milk” vital for immunity1011

Scientific research, corroborated by the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey, finds that although exclusive breastfeeding rates have improved markedly in recent years (from 11% in 2000 to 60% in 2005), only around one in three infants are breastfed within the first hour of birth—an important World Health Organization (WHO) target1012. The introduction of water or formula within the first days is common, especially in urban hospitals, and perceived insufficient milk supply often leads to supplementation with formula or early weaning, even if actual hypogalactia is rare11

Mothers frequently rely on the advice of elders regarding dietary restrictions, breastfeeding frequency, and timing of weaning1110. Traditional postpartum foods believed to increase milk supply—soups, herbs (tnam sraa), ginger, and black pepper—are widely consumed, whereas “stinky” or cold foods are avoided. Formula feeding, while rising in urban environments, still carries social stigma in some rural areas. 

Complementary Feeding and Weaning 

From six months of age, rice porridge (borbor) is the prevalent first weaning food, often mixed with fish, vegetables, or eggs where resources allow13. Government and FAO-supported nutrition programs now encourage diverse, nutrient-rich complementary foods, continuing breastfeeding through at least two years. Training videos and community nutrition promoters are deployed in rural provinces to spread knowledge about best practices in complementary feeding and hygiene13

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Older children’s diets may be strongly influenced by household wealth, maternal education, and local resources, with children in the poorest communities at significantly higher risk for stunting, undernutrition, and delayed cognitive development1412

 

Sleeping Arrangements: Co-Sleeping, Schedules, and Safety 

The Norm of Co-Sleeping 

Cambodian families almost universally practice co-sleeping: infants and toddlers sleep alongside parents or older siblings, sometimes with several family members sharing the same mat or mattress on the floor. Separate cribs or nurseries, common in the West, are rare outside affluent urban settings. This practice reflects deeply held beliefs in the necessity of constant parental proximity to ensure comfort, protect from spirits, and ease breastfeeding throughout the night1516

Families often delay introducing separate beds until the child reaches school age, with sleeping arrangements serving as a means of socialization and reinforcing interdependence. Co-sleeping is also shaped by practical considerations—space constraints and extended family living—with elders, especially grandmothers, often sharing in nighttime care. 

Studies on infant sleep in Cambodia echo those across Asia, highlighting that late bedtimes are common and considered normal, with flexible routines attuned to family rhythms and work schedules. There is little cultural acceptance of “cry-it-out” sleep training methods, and infants’ night-wakings are usually accommodated by adult caregivers1516

Safety and Contemporary Considerations 

Although co-sleeping is culturally cherished, there is growing awareness—especially among health professionals and NGOs—of the potential risks, such as accidental smothering. Ongoing health education campaigns aim to improve the physical safety of sleeping arrangements while respecting traditional norms. 

 

Beliefs about Child Development and Early Learning 

Developmental Milestones: Folk Knowledge and Medicalization 

Cambodian parents, drawing on cultural and familial wisdom, use visual and behavioral cues to gauge infants’ health and development. Early smiling, frequent nursing, and robust sleep are cited as signs of well-being; crying, weight loss, or pale skin prompt concern1711. Traditional beliefs sometimes ascribe features—such as birthmarks or behavior—to spiritual causes or past lives. 

However, awareness and reporting of developmental “red flags” (e.g., delayed walking or speech) is inconsistent, and knowledge about certain conditions (e.g., neonatal jaundice) may be limited17. There is a strong cultural inclination, especially among mothers, to seek formal health care for clearly unwell infants, despite financial and logistical barriers. 

Scientific developments have seen the creation of Cambodian-specific developmental screening tools and growth charts, with pilot programs training rural health volunteers and caregivers in using milestone-based assessments to identify and address delays18

Early Education and Cognitive Development 

Cognitively stimulating parenting is positively associated with better developmental outcomes, with observed disparities traced to wealth, maternal education, and community resources19. Cambodian parents pay great heed to formal schooling, seeing it as both social and economic advancement, and private tutoring before or after school hours is highly valued by those who can afford it19

Government and NGO interventions prioritize early childhood education (ECE), particularly among marginalized or rural populations. Quality daycare centers and community-based childcare programs, though limited in supply, have demonstrated significant improvements in children’s physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills in controlled studies in Phnom Penh. 

 

Role of Buddhism in Parenting Attitudes 

Buddhist Doctrine and Everyday Parenting 

Buddhism, practiced by over 95% of Cambodians, provides the ethical and philosophical backbone for parenting. Buddhist teachings emphasize the moral responsibilities of parents: to educate children about goodness, dissuade them from harmful acts, support their potential, and ensure honorable social standing20

A well-known proverb—“A parent is the first teacher, the teacher at school is the second”—reflects parents’ centrality in child guidance. Buddhist values of patience, non-violence, humility, and mutual respect are integrated into familial interactions, with teachings about karma fostering mindfulness of consequences for both behavior and discipline2021

Monks and temples play a crucial role as external guides and community educators, leading rituals, offering blessings, and, in recent years, disseminating teachings about compassionate, non-violent parenting21. Campaigns such as the UNICEF/MoCR Pagoda Program have engaged hundreds of monks to spread child protection messages and model alternative discipline strategies at the grassroots. 

 

Parenting Styles: Between Tradition and Transition 

Authority, Warmth, and Discipline 

Cambodian parenting has historically been characterized by a strong authoritarian streak—emphasizing obedience, respect for elders, and punitive discipline in response to disobedience221. Mothers, in particular, have often employed scolding, threats, or corporal punishment as part of a culturally sanctioned progression: explaining first, then escalating to harsh words or blows if the child persists in misbehavior22

Gendered expectations run deep: boys are encouraged to be stoic and strong (“better to bleed than cry”), while girls are taught gentleness and prepared for domestic roles. Emotional expression, especially for male children, is often discouraged, leading to unique vulnerabilities among boys for neglect or limited emotional development. 

The collective trauma of war has further entrenched strict discipline: studies of Cambodian-American families detail how survivors’ need for control and security, born of profound loss, has led to increased parental authoritarianism and, sometimes, emotional distance1. Yet, there is evidence of a generational shift: trauma-aware and culturally adapted interventions are helping some parents adopt more supportive, nurturing approaches. 

Emergence of Positive Parenting 

In response to high rates of violence and adverse childhood experiences, Cambodia's government, in collaboration with international partners, has formally adopted Positive Parenting as a national strategy22. This paradigm advocates for warmth, open communication, non-violent discipline, sensitivity to children's needs, and shared problem-solving, and is being promoted through law, policy, and large-scale training programs. 

 

Modern Interventions: Government, NGOs, and International Efforts 

Policy and Programmatic Shifts 

Recognition of violence and negative outcomes associated with traditional authoritarian parenting prompted the rollout of the Positive Parenting Strategy (2017–2021), supported by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) and UNICEF2223. This comprehensive policy: 

  • Defines positive parenting as warm, affectionate parenting that guides and protects without violence, respects children’s voices, and emphasizes two-way communication. 

  • Provides structured, age-appropriate training modules (from prenatal to adolescence) focusing on roles, discipline, communication, child protection, and family well-being. 

  • Engages both in-person and digital tools, such as Telegram-based chatbots and hotlines, to reach parents at the community level. 

  • Trains commune-level volunteers, health workers, and religious leaders to act as local resource persons and peer educators. 

The accompanying Pagoda Program, co-led by MoCR and UNICEF, mobilizes Buddhist monks to use their moral authority in advocating for non-violent child-rearing and child protection in even the most remote communities21

Government ministries—including Health, Social Affairs, Veterans, Youth Rehabilitation, and Education—collaborate on cross-sector initiatives integrating child health, early childhood education, nutrition, protection, and gender equality18

NGO Innovations and the Private Sector 

Non-governmental organizations, notably ICS-SP (Improving Cambodia’s Society through Skillful Parenting), Save the Children, and Plan International, have piloted and scaled group-based parenting sessions, home visiting, and community empowerment models23. These initiatives emphasize: 

  • Group learning and experience sharing. 

  • Practice of new skills, such as positive discipline and active listening. 

  • Special attention to high-risk populations and marginalized families, including those with children living with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and the poorest rural households. 

Evaluations confirm significant reductions in violence and improvements in child development outcomes linked to these interventions. Digital and media campaigns provide parents with accessible, up-to-date advice on nurturing care, exclusive breastfeeding, and safe, stimulating home environments. 

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Challenges and Gaps 

While progress is undeniable, challenges remain: reaching remote communities, addressing persistent poverty and undernutrition, combating entrenched gender norms, and scaling interventions with fidelity and cultural sensitivity. Government and NGOs alike face questions of financing, sustainability, and the readiness of systems to address severe social protection cases. 

 

Urban vs. Rural Parenting: Sociological Comparisons 

Family Structure and Childcare Patterns 

Urban and rural parenting in Cambodia diverge significantly. In urban Phnom Penh, nuclear families, formal daycare, and working mothers are increasingly common. In these families, access to daycare centers and early learning packages is associated with better cognitive and social outcomes, though demand outstrips supply. 

In rural areas, extended families are the norm, with childcare shared among relatives. Grandmothers, in particular, play a pivotal role, both in advising mothers and providing hands-on care while parents work, migrate, or engage in subsistence labor. 

Developmental Disparities 

Wealth and location are tightly linked to disparities in growth, nutrition, and early learning. Children in the poorest, most remote areas experience much higher rates of stunting, underweight, and developmental delays compared to their urban counterparts. Environmental and sanitation factors, maternal education, and access to health care are primary drivers1412

Key Table: Developmental Outcomes in Urban vs. Rural Settings 

Area 

Median Breastfeeding Duration (months) 

Rate of Stunting (%) 

Cognitive Scores 

Caregiver Type 

Urban 

12–15 

10–20 

Above average 

More formal childcare 

Rural 

16–18 

30–55 

Below average 

Grandparents, extended 

In rural floating communities, for example, over 50% of toddlers are stunted and score lower in language and gross motor skills, despite longer breastfeeding duration. Interventions targeting nutrition, hygiene, and early stimulation are most urgently needed in these contexts14

 

Scientific Evidence on Infant Health and Child Development 

Key Research Findings 

  1. Integrated Early Childhood Development Programs: Recent multisector interventions targeting caregivers from pregnancy to age five have demonstrated improvements in nurturing practices and measurable gains in child development scores, particularly in responsive caregiving and early learning domains18

  2. Parenting and Nutritional Status: Cognitive and socioemotional parenting, as well as adequate nutrition, each contribute independently and synergistically to children’s developmental outcomes. Negative (harsh) parenting is linked to behavioral and cognitive delays, especially among stunted children19

  3. Policy Evaluation: Positive Parenting Programs have resulted in large reductions in violent discipline, increased parental knowledge about development, and improved child behavior and family relationships2223

  4. Hygiene and Feeding: Handwashing, the use of safe water, and avoidance of bottle feeding correlate with improved infant nutrition and growth, while poverty and poor sanitation remain major barriers12

  5. Postwar Trauma and Parenting: The relationship between traumatic histories and authoritarian parenting style is statistically significant, with psychological impacts on the next generation and implications for intervention design1

 

Multimedia and Documentary Resources 

Documentaries, videos, and digital platforms play a vital role in illustrating and educating about Cambodian parenting practices. These multimedia resources make abstract research tangible and offer authentic voices from Cambodian families, health workers, and children themselves. Some recommended resources include: 

 

Conclusion: The Interwoven Future of Cambodian Parenting 

The ways in which Cambodian families care for their youngest members reflect a unique synthesis of tradition and transformation. Layered atop centuries-old postpartum “roasting” rituals, Buddhist ceremonies, communal caregiving, and folk medicine, we see a new wave of policy-driven, scientific, and rights-based interventions. These changes, shaped by the scars of war and the aspirations of peace, highlight an ongoing process of cultural negotiation. 

Key takeaways include: 

  • Recognizing the importance of community and extended kinship in early care. 

  • Acknowledging the harms of authoritarian and violent discipline, and supporting positive parenting. 

  • Embracing the strengths of traditional practices (such as infant massage and communal rituals) while adapting them to modern, evidence-based health and development standards. 

  • Promoting responsive caregiving, early learning, proper nutrition, hygiene, and gender equality as critical levers for better developmental outcomes. 

  • Supporting and scaling government and NGO interventions to reach both rural and urban families, with special emphasis on marginalized and at-risk populations. 

  • Harnessing the power of Buddhist teachings, digital tools, and local champions—including monks and community volunteers—to drive social change. 

As Cambodia continues to grow and evolve, the way it cares for its children will play a decisive role in shaping not just the next generation, but the future character and health of the nation. 

 

Embedded and Referenced Videos and Resources: 

 

In sum, Cambodian parenting is at a crossroads between the warmth of tradition and the promise of positive change. By drawing on both their cultural heritage and the insights of contemporary science, Cambodian families and policymakers are building foundations for the nation's children that are both rooted and resilient. 

 

References (23) 

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2Why Are Family Values Important In Cambodian Culture?. https://www.triplekangkor.com/why-are-family-values-important-in-cambodian-culture/ 

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19Joint Roles of Parenting and Nutritional Status for Child Development:. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adrien-Bouguen/publication/333323758_Joint_Roles_of_Parenting_and_Nutritional_Status_for_Child_Development_Evidence_from_Rural_Cambodia/links/5ce6e635299bf14d95b518ab/Joint-Roles-of-Parenting-and-Nutritional-Status-for-Child-Development-Evidence-from-Rural-Cambodia.pdf 

20The Role and Influence of Buddhism in Cambodian Society and Culture. https://phnompenhnow.com/the-role-and-influence-of-buddhism-in-cambodian-society-and-culture/ 

21More than half of Cambodian children are severely beaten. Monks are .... https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-16/monks-leading-the-way-on-child-protection-in-cambodia/104371730 

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