Thailand stands at a pivotal moment as families navigate rapid social change. Western ideas about child-rearing have blended with enduring Thai traditions, prompting fresh questions about how to raise resilient children. A recent Guardian letter by a grandparent comparing Spain’s family-centred approach with the UK’s child-centred model has sparked renewed debate in Thai households about where the family’s priorities should lie.
The core message is simple: while kindness and respect toward children are essential, placing a child at the center of every decision can lead to anxiety and dependence. In Spain, the family unit takes precedence. From birth, children are expected to contribute to group harmony rather than assume they are the sole focus of attention. The author’s observations suggest Spanish children are generally more emotionally secure, with parents who feel less frustration. For Thai families, this raises a timely question: can we balance individual needs with the strength of a closely connected family?
Cultural context matters in parenting. Thailand’s family structure has shifted over the past generation—smaller households, urban migration, and exposure to Western ideas about education and autonomy. Many Bangkok families juggle work, school, and structured activities designed to amplify children’s talents, a hallmark of child-centred practices. Yet concerns mirror those raised in the Guardian piece: does excessive attention on children undermine resilience, teamwork, and the deep-rooted family bonds that Thai society has long valued?
Research offers nuanced insights. A cross-cultural study involving Spain, Portugal, and Brazil examined parenting styles and outcomes for self-esteem and value internalisation. The study identified four styles: authoritative, indulgent, authoritarian, and neglectful. In Spain’s family-oriented context, the indulgent style—warm, inclusive, and rooted in group belonging—was linked to higher self-esteem and stronger internalisation of prosocial values. Authoritarian and neglectful approaches performed less well, while authoritative parenting supported value internalisation but did not always maximize self-esteem. In short, warmth within a cohesive family can bolster well-being without eroding discipline.
As researchers highlight, cultures with integrated family life show that children thrive when they feel loved and part of something larger than themselves. This aligns with Thai values of respect for elders, mutual support, and communal responsibility. It also resonates with the idea that children benefit from boundaries and a sense of duty to the family.
For Thai society, these findings arrive at a practical moment. The education system and urban middle class increasingly blend European and global perspectives with local expectations. Some educators and parents caution against reducing parental authority or overemphasising children’s preferences at the expense of family cohesion. A scholar of childhood studies in Thailand notes that mutual respect and collective responsibility have long supported children’s rights without sacrificing social bonds. Balancing child agency with family harmony remains a central challenge.
Additional research supports a balanced view. The indulgent Spanish model, prioritising family warmth and happiness over strictness or self-centredness, has been associated with positive mental health, better academic outcomes, and values such as universalism and benevolence. Thai families can adapt these lessons by fostering a sense of belonging, setting clear boundaries, and encouraging cooperation at home. Reports also indicate that a family-oriented environment can reduce anxiety and promote constructive behavior among adolescents.
Historical perspectives show both Spain and Thailand share collectivist roots. Today, both nations navigate modernization while choosing to preserve core social bonds. Spain’s mature form of collectivism emphasises warmth, non-violence, and shared responsibilities. Thailand’s journey toward nuclear families and urban living echoes similar tensions between tradition and global influences.
Looking forward, Thai parenting may benefit from a pragmatic blend: allow children space to express themselves while maintaining the family as the central unit of support. This approach can be reinforced through practical steps like shared meals, age-appropriate chores, and regular family conversations that include everyone’s voice—without letting individual preferences override collective well-being. Government guidance on family engagement in learning can support these goals by promoting co-responsibility and shared decision-making.
For families seeking guidance, local child-development resources, school and temple parenting workshops, and accessible government guidelines offer practical options. Thai families are well positioned to blend traditional wisdom with international research, keeping the family at the heart of a happy, resilient nation.
In summary, the takeaway is clear: avoid extremes. A balanced approach that honours both child autonomy and family harmony can nurture confident, compassionate young people who contribute to the wider community. By drawing on international insights and Thai cultural strengths, families can shape a healthier, more cohesive future.