Millions of children worldwide are grappling with anxiety, yet many parents may be inadvertently worsening the problem through subtle, everyday behaviors, according to the latest research and expert analysis published by HuffPost on June 8, 2025 (HuffPost). Although anxiety is often associated with adults, a recent global analysis suggests that up to 20.5% of youth experience significant anxiety symptoms. This development has profound implications for families across Thailand, where cultural, societal, and familial expectations deeply influence child-rearing.
Anxiety in children is complex and often manifests in various ways—ranging from physical symptoms like stomach aches and headaches, to emotional reactions such as tantrums, withdrawal, or clinginess. Thai educators and mental health professionals have noticed similar patterns among local students, with anxiety sometimes mistaken for “problem behavior” or shyness, especially in demanding academic or social environments.
The HuffPost investigative report collated insights from leading clinical psychologists and parenting educators, uncovering eight key parental behaviors that can unwittingly increase a child’s risk of developing anxiety:
One major factor is encouraging avoidance. Parents, out of concern or a desire to shield their children from discomfort, may help them avoid anxiety triggers—such as driving them to school instead of letting them take the bus. Parenting educator Laura Linn Knight explains this kind of avoidance initially soothes discomfort but ultimately reinforces anxious behavior, eroding children’s confidence and coping abilities. Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins, associate director at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, adds that over-accommodation, or doing too much to relieve a child’s distress, “prevents them from developing the necessary healthy coping skills.”
Another subtle influence is when parents fail to manage their own anxiety. Children are highly attuned to their caregivers’ moods and behaviors. If adults do not address their own stress and regularly display anxious behavior, this can communicate to children that the world is a dangerous place to be feared. Dr. Booth Watkins notes, “If we are struggling with anxiety ourselves, we have to be deliberate in managing our stress and distress, and model healthy coping skills.” Modeling positive coping—like openly discussing anxious moments and demonstrating relaxation techniques—teaches children resilience.
The research further highlights that reluctance to discuss feelings fosters anxiety. In many Thai families, open conversation about emotions may feel uncomfortable or even taboo, so children are left to internalize worries. Pediatric psychologist Ann-Louise Lockhart encourages parents to “name the feeling” for children (e.g., “It looks like you feel really uncomfortable getting in the water”) and validate these emotions, which helps youth navigate their own feelings in a healthy way. Assistant professor Alvin Thomas (University of Wisconsin–Madison) suggests that parents’ willingness to express their emotions (“Dad is feeling a little sad today because…”) expands children’s emotional vocabulary and encourages honest dialogue at home.
Another anxiety trigger is being overly cautious. Continual warnings (“Be careful!”) and focusing on potential dangers can make children overly wary and hesitant. Clinical psychologist Dr. Jenny Yip recommends that, rather than habitually warning children, parents should rationally explain risks and encourage kids to make informed decisions, thus fostering a sense of agency and self-confidence.
Equally important is the impact of parental praise. Rewarding children solely for successful results, instead of their efforts, instills a fear of disappointment and perfectionism. Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, a clinical psychologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, urges families to “praise effort and remind your child that they are good, loved, and important…no matter what.” Research consistently shows that a focus on effort—rather than achievement—reduces performance-related anxiety and strengthens children’s sense of self-worth.
Asking too many leading questions is another pitfall. When parents suggest possible worries (“Are you nervous because your best friend won’t be at camp?”), they can spark anxieties that otherwise would not have existed. Solution-focused and open-ended questions allow children to express themselves without feeling pressured to confirm adult expectations of nervousness.
The authoritarian approach—a style marked by rigid rules, harsh punishments, and little emotional warmth—also correlates strongly with increased childhood anxiety. This resonates with concerns in Thai education contexts, where strict discipline and academic competition can sometimes overshadow the emotional support essential for student well-being.
Finally, sending mixed messages breeds uncertainty and stress. For instance, expressing the importance of both relaxing as a child and achieving high academic success can leave young people conflicted and anxious. Dr. Yip recommends clarity: “Say something like, ‘Your SATs are coming up…I want you to be able to balance your time and prioritize what’s most important.’” This empowers children to take ownership of their journey instead of feeling overwhelmed by competing demands.
These findings hold special weight for Thai society, where fast-paced modernization, competitive education, and strong family ties create both support and unique pressure for children. Buddhist principles of mindfulness and moderation, if incorporated into family routines, can be a useful buffer against anxiety—but only if adults are conscious of how their words and actions are received by the young.
Thailand’s own health policy leaders, education officials, and child psychologists increasingly recognize youth mental health as a national priority. As seen in the Ministry of Public Health’s expanding school-based counseling services and the focus on promoting resilience in the National Health Development Plan, there’s movement toward early intervention and parent education (Ministry of Public Health). Recent pilot programs in Bangkok schools incorporate mindfulness activities, peer-support groups, and parent workshops to address anxiety proactively (Bangkok Post). However, entrenched cultural taboos regarding mental illness still deter some families from seeking help.
In Thai culture, the concept of “kreng jai” (เกรงใจ)—a preference for harmony and avoidance of confrontation—may discourage open discussion of difficult emotions. But mental health advocates suggest that gently normalizing emotion-talk and demonstrating vulnerability can help reduce stigma and foster more psychologically robust children. Parents can draw upon traditional Thai values, such as family interconnectedness and the Buddhist middle path (มัชฌิมาปฏิปทา), to promote balance—in activities, emotional expression, and even in how success and failure are framed.
Looking ahead, experts warn that the effects of pandemic-related disruption, academic competitiveness, and digital media consumption may further exacerbate anxiety among Thai youth (UNICEF Thailand). Continued efforts to equip both parents and schools with trauma-informed skills, emotional literacy resources, and community-based support systems are vital. As Dr. Sinclair-McBride emphasizes, “One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to help your child learn the unique toolkit of skills that helps them deal with anxiety.”
In conclusion, the most constructive step Thai families can take is to practice self-reflection and make small, daily adjustments to their parenting habits. This includes: (1) Allowing children to safely confront their fears, (2) discussing feelings openly while modeling healthy emotional regulation, (3) focusing more on effort than results, and (4) creating a home environment grounded in warmth, clarity, and consistent support. If parents notice persistent anxiety symptoms in their children, seeking guidance from mental health professionals—such as school counselors, psychologists, or social workers—is recommended. By embracing both international best practices and culturally relevant wisdom, Thailand can foster a new generation of mentally resilient, confident, and emotionally intelligent young people.
Sources: HuffPost, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok Post, UNICEF Thailand