A recent report by the Times of India highlights eight common parenting habits that, while often rooted in good intentions, may actually erode a child’s confidence and self-esteem. This revelation has stirred renewed discussion among child development experts and parents globally, including in Thailand, about the importance of nurturing children’s sense of self-belief through supportive parenting approaches.
Understanding why this issue matters is essential for Thai families in a rapidly changing social and educational landscape. Children’s self-confidence not only influences their academic and social performance but also shapes their lifelong mental health and resilience. As Thai society increasingly embraces both traditional values and modern childrearing philosophies, recognizing the subtle ways parents can unintentionally harm their children’s confidence has taken on greater urgency.
The Times of India article, drawing on research-based insights, details eight key parenting habits that can undermine a child’s confidence:
Showing ‘tough love’: While discipline is part of responsible parenting, consistently using sternness or neglecting emotional warmth leaves children feeling unloved and inadequate. Studies confirm that warmth, appreciation, and constructive feedback foster confidence more effectively than punitive approaches (CNBC).
Comparing children to others: Frequently contrasting a child’s achievements, behavior, or qualities with their peers can cause lasting damage to self-esteem, making children feel their efforts will never measure up, thereby demotivating them (NCBI StatPearls).
Overprotection: Shielding children from all discomfort or failure may come from love, but it deprives them of opportunities to learn from setbacks and develop resilience. According to a peer-reviewed study, overprotective parenting correlates directly with lower self-confidence in children (ScienceDirect).
Thinking in extremes: Using words like “always” and “never” reinforces a rigid view of a child’s behavior or personality, which discourages effort and change, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
Not valuing their opinions: Dismissing or overriding children’s views, even with the intention of offering guidance, undermines their autonomy and sense of worth. Allowing children to express their opinions helps cultivate decision-making confidence (PubMed Article).
Having unrealistic expectations: Setting excessively high standards may seem motivating, but research suggests it increases anxiety and fears of failure, jeopardizing healthy self-worth.
Controlling behavior: Excessive control removes children’s sense of agency, fueling resentment and hesitancy in independent thinking and acting (BMC Article).
Using children to fulfill parents’ dreams: Pressuring children into pursuing paths chosen by parents, rather than their own interests, severely depresses self-identity and confidence.
Expert perspectives reinforce these findings. Senior Thai child psychologists often emphasize that, “True confidence grows from inside, not from fear of making parents happy or meeting unrealistic standards.” This aligns with global research; for example, a 2024 review in BMC Psychiatry notes that “parental psychological control and lack of autonomy are linked to lower self-esteem and greater anxiety in children” (BMC Article).
Within the Thai context, the tension between collectivist expectations and an increasing appreciation for child autonomy is evident. Traditionally, Thai families have prized obedience and family reputation, sometimes at the expense of individual expression. However, modern Thai educators and mental health professionals caution that excessive comparison, control, or use of shame in childrearing is counterproductive in today’s rapidly changing society. Recent interviews with leading Thai pediatricians echo this: “Creating an environment where children feel safe to make mistakes is vital, especially as they navigate new academic and social pressures.”
Such insights are supported by global research. Harvard psychological studies and parenting reviews have repeatedly shown that authoritative parenting—that is, maintaining clear boundaries but with empathy and support—produces children with the highest levels of confidence, social skills, and resilience (NCBI StatPearls). In contrast, authoritarian or highly controlling styles are associated with anxiety and low self-esteem.
Looking ahead, Thai schools have begun introducing social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula designed in part to support confidence building. Likewise, increasing numbers of Thai parenting support groups now discuss topics like growth mindset and resilience. These shifts point toward a future where Thai parents and caregivers are empowered with evidence-based strategies that balance cultural values with the psychological needs of today’s youth.
For parents and educators in Thailand wishing to avoid inadvertently dampening children’s self-confidence, experts recommend the following practical steps:
- Provide consistent warmth, encouragement, and constructive feedback
- Value children’s voices in family discussions and decisions
- Encourage autonomy by letting children make age-appropriate choices, even if mistakes happen
- Avoid comparisons and labels; recognize each child’s unique path
- Set realistic, achievable expectations, while celebrating both successes and efforts
- Model healthy responses to challenges, showing that setbacks are part of growth
To support readers on this journey, numerous resources are available in Thailand, such as the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute, Thai PBS’s parenting programs, and international sources like UNICEF Thailand. By adopting constructive parenting habits, Thai families can build stronger future generations, equipped to face challenges with self-belief and resilience.
For further reading, see original coverage at the Times of India, StatPearls parenting style effects, ScienceDirect: Overprotectiveness, and PubMed decision-making confidence.