A groundbreaking analysis of over 200 parent-child relationships has highlighted seven core parenting strategies found consistently among families whose children display high levels of emotional intelligence. In a contemporary world laser-focused on grades and achievement, these findings underscore the growing importance of emotional skills as the true secret edge for navigating life’s complexities, especially for Thai families balancing tradition with modern realities.
In recent years, educators and psychologists around the globe have turned more attention to how childhood emotional intelligence (EI)—the ability to perceive, manage, and express emotions effectively—shapes long-term success and wellbeing. According to a study detailed by the Thailand Tatler, the emotionally successful children in this diverse cohort almost universally had parents who put emotional development at the heart of their daily routines Thailand Tatler.
For Thai readers, the relevance of these findings resonates deeply. Academic excellence and obedience have long been pillars in many Thai households, but rising concerns about child stress, social adaptation, and rising mental health issues suggest that emotional intelligence may be just as—if not more—essential as academic credentials. Understanding how parents can cultivate such skills is timely as Thailand’s education system seeks holistic reforms and as Thai society responds to new challenges in the digital age.
The research identified seven practical behaviors in parents of emotionally strong children:
First, parents harnessed the power of silence. Rather than immediately rushing to solve every problem or distract an upset child, they let children sit with their feelings, sending the message that it’s okay to process emotions internally. An education psychologist from a major Thai university notes, “This mirrors Buddhist mindfulness practices found in Thai culture, which support inner calm and self-reflection.”
Second, parents made a habit of naming emotions openly—both their own and their children’s. By modeling emotional vocabulary, they demystified feelings and encouraged children to articulate what was happening inside. One Bangkok-based pediatric therapist notes that, in many Thai families, open talk about strong feelings is still rare, but such openness can make “kreng jai”—the hesitation to express needs—transform into healthy self-advocacy.
Third, parents readily apologized when they made mistakes. This act taught humility and responsibility, normalizing imperfection as a part of life. In a society where respect for elders is deeply valued, such behavior can be surprisingly powerful, showing that even adults strive to learn and grow emotionally.
Fourth, they modeled courteous language—“please,” “thank you,” and “sorry”—in genuine, unforced ways, allowing their children to absorb respectful interactions through daily observation. This echoes the importance of “nam jai,” or kindness and consideration, which is foundational in Thai social interactions.
Fifth, they took children’s worries seriously. By listening and validating their children’s emotions, these parents built emotional security, letting kids know their inner worlds matter. As Thailand increasingly grapples with adolescent mental health and bullying issues, this approach has real-world, preventive value.
Sixth, parents empowered children to make age-appropriate choices, asking open-ended questions and encouraging independent decision-making. Rather than micromanaging, these parents fostered self-confidence and a sense of agency. This approach, experts suggest, can act as a safeguard against future “learned helplessness,” which is often cited as a risk factor in Thailand’s high-pressure examination culture.
Seventh, they allowed children to experience boredom. Though this seems counterintuitive in a society where packed extracurricular calendars are the norm, moments of idle time gave children space for creativity and resilience. Experts like a prominent clinical psychologist from Mahidol University agree that unstructured play or downtime is critical for developing intrinsic motivation and emotional regulation.
Crucially, these parenting behaviors are not about perfection or strict adherence to theories but about building a family atmosphere of respect and trust—qualities that have long been valued in Thai households but are sometimes crowded out by the race for measurable achievement.
Beyond the findings detailed in the study, wider global research concurs on the lifelong value of EI. A longitudinal study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that children with strong social-emotional skills in kindergarten were more likely to succeed academically and professionally over the next two decades AJPH. Similarly, a UNICEF East Asia-Pacific regional report highlights the ties between emotional skill-building and resilience in countries balancing modernization and traditional values UNICEF.
For Thai parents and educators, implementing these approaches is not without challenges. The nation’s competitive entrance exams and conformist expectations can make some of the principles seem almost radical. However, leading child psychologists from the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, confirm that “emotional intelligence is key for long-term happiness and social adjustment, not just school performance.” They urge parents to “see EI not as a soft skill, but as the backbone of 21st-century success.”
Specific recommendations are emerging in Thailand’s education reform dialogue as well. The Ministry of Education has piloted social-emotional learning curricula in select Bangkok schools, and a growing number of independent schools are adapting mindfulness and empathy training for students as young as kindergarten.
As Thai culture makes space for these ideas, traditional values can play a supportive role. The Buddhist practice of “khanti” (patience) and the concept of “metta” (loving-kindness) are ancient forms of emotional coaching, according to cultural anthropologists from Chulalongkorn University.
Looking ahead, it is likely that Thai society will see increased advocacy for emotional education both at home and in schools—a trend mirrored globally. International research suggests future jobs will increasingly require emotional and interpersonal skills, making EI investment essential for young Thais entering the workforce World Economic Forum.
For Thai families pondering how to adapt, start small. Begin by talking openly about feelings at dinner, practicing apology and forgiveness, and carving out regular “slow time” for unstructured play or quiet. Schools can partner with parents to host parent education sessions on emotional coaching and to encourage collective adoption of these practices. Community-based programs could harness Thai social values of interconnectedness (“sampan”) to support one another in the ongoing process of raising emotionally resilient children.
In sum, while academic achievement remains important, the evidence now overwhelmingly supports placing emotional intelligence at the center of childrearing in Thailand. As one Bangkok educator put it, “When we teach children how to feel and relate, we teach them how to live—successfully, happily, and together.”
For additional information, readers can review the full report at Thailand Tatler and consult resources from the Thai Department of Mental Health and UNICEF.