A growing chorus of parents and psychologists believe it is better for children to face manageable risks than to be raised in overly sheltered environments—a provocative idea that is gaining traction worldwide, including in Thailand. A recent feature from Upworthy, which sparked widespread conversation, gathered insights from parents who argue that modern tendencies to overprotect children may actually hinder their emotional, social, and intellectual maturity. This approach runs counter to traditional Thai values of overprotection, prompting a re-examination of how best to prepare Thai youth for an increasingly unpredictable world (source).
In many Thai families, the concept of rak look—deep, protective love for one’s child—often translates into closely monitoring young people as they move through life. While this cultural norm springs from profound care, there is mounting evidence from child development research that children benefit from encountering risk and even occasional failure in safe, controlled situations. The Upworthy article points out that when children are allowed to experience danger, whether through unstructured play, outdoor exploration, or tackling age-appropriate challenges, they develop vital skills: resilience, problem-solving, and a healthy sense of independence.
Several international studies back up these insights. According to research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, free, self-directed play—especially outdoors—correlates with increased risk assessment abilities and improved emotional regulation in children (source). Psychologists like Dr. Peter Gray, whose work is featured in Psychology Today, assert that “children deprived of opportunities to take risks and confront fears may be more prone to anxiety and depression” (source). This aligns with observations among Thai mental health experts, who have noted an upsurge in anxiety and stress among youth in urban Bangkok.
Quotes from the Upworthy article capture the lived experiences of parents who have shifted their parenting styles. As one participant shares, “We grew up climbing trees, riding bikes without helmets, and getting scrapes—and it taught us to be careful, not fearful.” Others express that while letting children encounter risk is difficult for caring parents, “it’s our job to prepare them for real life, not protect them into helplessness.” This resonates with the Thai proverb, “เด็กเล็กต้องให้มีประสบการณ์ล้มบ้างจะได้ลุกเป็น” (Children must be allowed to fall sometimes in order to learn to stand up).
Balancing tradition and modernity, Thai educators are slowly integrating risk-based learning into their curricula. For instance, some international and progressive Thai schools have begun to encourage project-based learning, outdoor education, and conflict resolution exercises. However, broader public schools and rural education programs still tend to prioritize academic achievement, sometimes at the expense of social or emotional development. A UNICEF Thailand report found that while academic results have improved, Thai children lag behind peers in resilience and adaptive skills (source).
The roots of parental overprotection in Thailand can be traced to social expectations, fear of failure, and even urbanization—factors that are echoed in countries worldwide. The rapid rise of social media and sensational news also amplifies parental anxieties, sometimes leading to what experts call “bubble-wrapped” childhoods. Yet, as seen in Scandinavian countries, which consistently rank at the top of UNICEF’s child well-being indicators, supervised risk and unstructured outdoor play are encouraged from an early age (source).
Looking ahead, teachers and mental health professionals in Thailand call for a pragmatic middle ground. Dr. Apichai Siripanich, a child psychologist at Mahidol University, notes, “We are not advocating for carelessness, but safe, thoughtful exposure to difficulty allows children to learn critical life skills. Thai parents can still offer guidance, but should also allow kids to make small mistakes and learn from them.” His advice dovetails with the evidence presented in Upworthy and global research findings.
This cultural debate also connects with Thai historical values found in Buddhist teachings. Many Thai elders recall a childhood spent in close-knit communities where young people navigated rice fields, forests, and rivers—experiences that built both independence and appreciation for collective responsibility. As cities modernize and parents’ fears shift towards digital threats or global uncertainties, a return to these roots is increasingly being advocated by both traditionalists and modern educators.
For Thailand, integrating these lessons may involve policy shifts—such as supporting more community playgrounds, investing in teacher training for social-emotional learning, and creating parent education programs that share the latest findings on healthy child development. Thailand’s Ministry of Education has already begun urban pilot projects encouraging student-led service, group problem-solving, and outdoor camps, but widespread adoption remains a challenge (source).
Ultimately, Thai families can take simple, practical steps to help children safely encounter risks. Allowing children supervised play time with peers, encouraging small chores appropriate to age, and not rushing in to resolve every conflict or difficulty immediately can foster a sense of personal responsibility and courage. By shifting mindsets from “protect at all costs” to “prepare for real life,” Thailand can empower its next generation to thrive in the face of uncertainty—and live out the spirit of “กล้าหาญ ฝ่าฟัน อุปสรรค” (brave and able to overcome adversity).
For parents and educators interested in further guidance, explore the latest child development research from sources such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and local organizations like the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute for Thai-language resources. By embracing risk—in nuanced, culturally respectful ways—our children may become stronger, more adaptable leaders for tomorrow’s Thailand.