By Les Huysmans

How often do you hear, “Mae/Mom, I’m bored!”? Your child has so many options and opportunities, but ultimately finds nothing to do, and then just wants to have a screen to stay busy. Don’t give into the screen option too often. Imagine a different scenario — a home where your child is naturally inclined to learn and explore. Does that sound like a fairy-tale? It is not! Let me guide you on this transformative journey.

Why Lifelong Learning Matters

You might think that learning stops when the school day ends, but really, it’s just getting started. Children have at least as many opportunities to learn at home as they do at school, AND they will be motivated, as research shows they will want to impress their parents. Take the example of a student I have known for a long time, called Nok. She began practicing traditional Thai dance at a young age. It was not the most fashionable or cool thing to do, but her parents supported her in her interests. She did her own thing, and continued to practice, both at home and at school, when she had a chance. Now 14, she performs at international events and has become a cultural ambassador for her school and even for Thailand.

---

Five Strategies to Foster Lifelong Learning

1. Cultivate Curiosity

Ten years ago, a Thai student of mine, Tawan, was both shy and curious. He was never short of ideas, but never communicated them, for fear of being made fun of. I had a private conversation with him, and later introduced an anonymous Question Box in the classroom. Students dropped their questions in, and we’d discuss the answers every Friday. He loved it and contributed many of the better suggestions. The initiative not only boosted Tawan’s confidence but also turned him into a more active learner.

2. Introduce Real-world Applications

I am a big fan of taking students out of the classroom and into the markets, parks, farms, etc around our big city. Some teachers I know regularly take their students to a local rice farm to teach biology and ecology. The kids are always amazed to see the real-world applications of what they have been learning.

3. Make Learning Fun

In Thailand, the traditional game of “Takraw” – a combination of volleybal and football – is not just a fun pastime but also an excellent avenue for learning teamwork, strategy, and discipline. I remember an English Camp once, where we integrated it into a lesson on basic physics — analysing the angles and forces involved in the game. The students were thrilled to apply theoretical concepts to a game they love. This could also be applied to football.

4. Be a Role Model

Your children look up to you, and will study your behaviour even when you are not aware. Nobody is expected to be perfect, but try to show a positive way of doing things, for example when you are eating. Leave the phone away from the table, unless you have real urgent business to attend. On most occasions, use the time to ask genuine questions of your child. Another example could be by staying active – playing sports or by continuing to learn, even as an adult. Your children will pick up on those actions, and learn to value the same behaviour and enthusiasm.

5. Create a Learning-friendly Environment

A friend of mine, called Prya, transformed a corner of her family’s Bangkok apartment, together with her children, into a ‘Learning Nook’ with crafts, books, and even a mini-herb garden. It took some time to get the right plants in place, but the setbacks taught her children not to give up too easily. They persisted, and it paid off, since her children now know more about plant care, learned how to cooperate, and are more resilient, AND they feel like they own the project. They also often prefer spending time there instead of gaming.

---

Take the First Step Today

It’s never too late to cultivate a love for lifelong learning in your child. Whether it’s embracing sports, nature or exploring local history and culture, every effort counts.

Are you ready to create a lifelong learner? Share your stories in the comments, or better yet, contact me for a specialised, and fully personalised, Thai Parenting Workshop (in-person or online).

If you would like to get in touch over anything else in this post, you can find my contact details on the About Les-page