Recent insights from a Times of India feature reveal that building a child’s confidence hinges not on grand gestures, but on a constellation of subtle parenting habits practiced daily—a finding with wide-ranging implications for Thai families committed to nurturing emotionally resilient youngsters. This new research-backed approach emphasizes that confidence is not inherited nor built overnight, but rather emerges from the small, consistent ways parents interact, encourage, and support their children at home (Times of India, 2025).
For many Thai families, the concept of “ความมั่นใจ” (confidence) is often discussed during school transition periods or in the context of academic performance. This latest research highlights how essential earning confidence is—not solely for classroom success, but also for nurturing strong, independent adults prepared to meet challenges head-on. The significance is particularly relevant for Thailand’s education system, where rote learning and strict classroom hierarchies sometimes overshadow the encouragement of individuality and self-expression.
Among the ten nurturing habits identified, giving children small choices—like picking out their own clothes or selecting between two snacks—stands out as a surprisingly powerful tactic. Allowing youngsters these micro-decisions gives them a sense of control and agency in their daily lives, translating into increased decision-making skills and belief in their ability to navigate more significant life choices. Culturally, this aligns with Thailand’s evolving parenting approaches, where younger generations are increasingly seeking greater say in household and educational matters, moving beyond the traditional “เด็กพูดเมื่อผู้ใหญ่ถาม” (children speak when spoken to) mindset.
Celebrating effort over outcome is another habit praised by experts for cultivating a “growth mindset." Instead of solely celebrating awards or academic scores, parents are urged to recognize hard work and persistence—the qualities that underpin long-term achievement. This concept resonates with Thai values found in the saying “น้ำหยดลงหินทุกวันหินมันยังกร่อน" (“Dripping water hollows the stone”)—perseverance yields results. Educational research further affirms that children rewarded for effort, not just accomplishment, develop intrinsic motivation and higher self-esteem (Dweck, 2006, PubMed).
Experts emphasize listening as one of the most powerful expressions of respect a parent can offer. In busy Thai households, taking time to listen without interruption signals to children that their voices matter, fostering trust and encouraging open communication. Allowing children to express opinions—and even respectfully disagree—builds courage and gives them valuable practice articulating beliefs, important in today’s Thai schools where group discussions and student-centered learning are on the rise.
Simple, everyday expressions of affection—such as hugs, verbal affirmations, or gentle encouragement—create the foundational sense of security and self-worth. As Dr. Naruemit Charoensuk, child psychologist at Chulalongkorn University, explains: “A child who knows they are unconditionally loved at home is more willing to take academic and social risks, because the threat of failure feels manageable, not catastrophic.” This echoes Thai parenting traditions rooted in communal warmth and “ความรักในครอบครัว.”
Importantly, letting children experience manageable failures—like dropping a toy, losing a game, or making a small mistake—without harsh criticism teaches resilience and problem-solving. Experts around the world, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, highlight that learning from minor setbacks fosters emotional strength (AAP, 2018). In Thailand, where academic pressure can be intense, parents can help kids understand that not being “perfect” all the time is not only okay, but necessary for personal development.
Praising non-physical qualities such as kindness, patience, and curiosity builds real, internal confidence—distinct from fleeting boosts based solely on appearance or grades. Thai schools and nurseries have begun to shift towards valuing social skills and emotional intelligence, a trend reflected in Bangkok’s leading international programs.
Assigning age-appropriate responsibility—whether helping in the kitchen, watering plants, or organizing schoolbags—empowers children to see themselves as capable contributors to their family and community. Authoritative parenting approaches, supported by both Thai Buddhist teachings and global research, encourage gradually giving children more autonomy as they mature (Baumrind, 1991, Google Scholar).
Encouraging safe risk-taking, like trying out for a sports team or joining a new activity, helps children overcome fears and discover their abilities. This is particularly valuable in contemporary Thai society, where “กล้าแสดงออก” (the courage to perform or speak out) is discussed as a crucial 21st-century skill in government education reform initiatives.
Finally, parents who practice self-confidence—by handling disappointment with grace, speaking positively about themselves, and embracing new experiences—set an example children instinctively follow. Thai children, like their peers worldwide, internalize much of their social-emotional script from parents’ daily behaviors.
Historically, Thai parenting focused on hierarchy and obedience, shaped by Buddhist and Confucian influences. However, recent decades have witnessed a paradigm shift, with academic and psychological circles in Thailand calling for more child-centered, empathetic parenting styles. This aligns with global trends and new research, suggesting that warm, supportive environments produce more resilient, resourceful adults (World Bank, 2018).
Looking forward, as Thailand’s next generation faces both local and global challenges—from digital transformation to mental health concerns—these ten practical parenting habits hold promise for producing flexible, assured adults. Policymakers and educators might consider integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the national curriculum, as many countries have successfully done (UNICEF, 2021).
Thai parents seeking to cultivate confidence can begin with small, consistent adjustments: listening with patience, encouraging effort over perfection, assigning responsibility, and expressing affection daily. For best results, schools can join hands with parents by providing workshops on emotional intelligence and by celebrating diverse strengths in the classroom, not just test scores. “Tiny habits, practiced with love, shape lives in unseen ways,” as the Times of India article concludes—a message that resonates for all Thai families nurturing the country’s next leaders and creators.
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