Pre-School Child Emotional Development Promotion Through the Local Wisdom of Thai-Khmer Ethnic Groups

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the traditional and the procedure to treat the pre-school children rearing practice that promote emotional development of Thai-Khmer ethnic groups. The samples of this study were selected purposively. The qualitative research methodology was employed in this study. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and participatory and non-participatory observations. The study found that, according to the ethno psychology for pre-school childcare, traditions and rituals, considered as the beliefs and taboos have been inherited until nowadays. Every new-born child is protected by “Khru” and have to make “Juam” to worship “Khru”. When a child is one month old, the ritual of “KonPhomfai” will be conducted. Boys will ordain to study Buddhism and learn moral standards. According to foods and breastfeeding, a child would feed from mother’s breast milk, dine together for the whole family that make a child feels warmth; it can promote development and emotional stability. According to causes of illness and illness prevention that taking children to a temple for sermon listening children will be treated with herbs. Children live based on the religious precepts or the practice of a mental restraint (e.g. Sacred objects, amulets). Sometimes, children will be taken to a divination ceremony to find out a cause of sickness or to be sprinkled with the holy water. It can makes children to have tranquility and good mental health.. In term of children’s recreation, Mother will sing a lullaby for the children to sleep. Giving features freely in the community, Compliments and encouragement to play make children happy, confident and have emotional stability as they grow up. As a result, of this study would be leaded to the integration health promotion of pre-school children of the Mon-Khmer ethnic groups that use a Khmer language as a mother tongue.