Guatemala, May 2025 - Every May 15th in Guatemala, International Family Day is celebrated, a date that invites us to reflect on the value of the family unit as a pillar of the social, emotional and academic development of children and young people.

 

Several studies agree that when students have a supportive and motivating family environment, they not only have a greater chance of excelling academically, but also develop essential skills such as responsibility, empathy, autonomy, and perseverance.

 

In this regard, Odeth González, a Kumon franchise consultant in Mexico and Central America, emphasizes that the family is the primary environment where habits, values, and attitudes are formed that directly influence academic performance. "When parents actively participate, students feel more secure, motivated, and committed to their own learning. Family involvement strengthens their self-esteem, gives them the confidence to take on responsibilities, and establishes a solid emotional foundation. It's not about doing their homework for them, but about genuinely taking an interest in their learning process, fostering routines, and being present without diminishing their autonomy. This close presence is key to developing more responsible students who are better prepared for academic challenges," Odeth explains.

 

The consulting firm asserts that, within the family, parents or caregivers don't need to be experts in math or languages ​​to support their children's learning process; their role is to be a guide, motivator, and emotional support throughout the educational journey. Therefore, they share three practical tips to boost academic success through family support:

 

1.     Show genuine interest in your learning and seek out resources outside the classroom: simply asking, “What did you learn today?” can have a significant impact. It’s not necessary to understand every subject; what’s important is demonstrating that your learning matters. According to the expert, this interest allows parents to identify if their child or young person needs additional support outside the classroom. Choosing a learning program like Kumon can help reinforce knowledge and enhance skills.

 

Odeth shares that it's also important for older siblings, grandparents, or other family members to support the student, listening to and celebrating their achievements. These support strengthens family bonds and motivates the student in their daily efforts.

 

2.     Creating a routine at home— establishing schedules for studying, eating, resting, and playing—is key to developing discipline and order. Students need structure, and a family member can be the ideal guide to creating an organized environment where studying is a natural part of daily life. Supporting these routines, being present during study time, or even studying together, helps build healthy habits that will have a positive impact not only on their school years but also on their adult lives.

 

3.     Celebrate their achievements, even the small ones: positive reinforcement has enormous power. Praising a child for completing homework, improving a grade, or simply trying harder boosts their self-esteem and desire to keep learning. A word of encouragement, a smile, a hug, or sharing the achievement with other family members—for example, telling Grandma that Grandpa got a good grade—strengthens their sense of pride and belonging. The child feels that their family believes in them.

 

This celebration is an opportunity to remember that the most valuable thing a family can offer is their presence. When a child feels heard, accompanied, and supported by their family, they grow up with confidence, not only academically but also emotionally. “Every conversation, every gesture of support, and every moment shared as a family strengthens the child's and young person's path and gives them the confidence to reach their full potential,” explained Odeth González, Kumon franchise consultant in Mexico and Central America .

 

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About Kumon®  

Kumon is a Japanese learning method with over 60 years of history, present in more than 60 countries including Guatemala since March 2023. Kumon is designed to help students of any ability progress to develop their full potential and enthusiasm for learning; through physical or virtual study sheets, and with the help of the instructor, students work at the most appropriate level to develop their ability and gain fluency with small and manageable steps.  

 

In Guatemala, it has five centers: “Las Américas” Building Américas 10 Zone 13, Plaza “Vilaflor” Carretera a El Salvador, Décimo de “Cayalá” Zone 16, Plaza Perisur “Zone 11” and Atlantis Building “Zone 10”. Franchises are available in San Cristóbal, El Naranjo and Quetzaltenango.  

 

If you are interested in learning more about Kumon, visit: www.kumon.com  

Kumon Center Locations in Guatemala: https://www.kumon.com/gt-es/locations

Facebook and Instagram: @kumonguatemala  

 

Press contact  

Andrea Solares | andrea@prevolucion.com | 3010 5201

Ciny Monzón | ciny@prevolucion.com | 5995 4556