Kumon holds Education and Parenting seminar

MANILA, Philippines - Kumon Philippines held its 4th Education and Parenting seminar last June 18 at SM Mall of Asia.

Entitled “I am an Achiever!”, it centered on the challenge to believe and discover that each child can be an achiever plus more! Kumon believes that to help each child develop his full potential, the people around him, the parents and the teachers, must not think “That is just about it”. Begin by acknowledging that every child is an achiever.

It was important for the parents to understand that children differ in learning styles and each requires a different approach. Interests and personalities also affect a child’s capability to maximize his or her learning potential. Working Mom’s editor-in-chief Dedet Panabi, the first guest speaker, challenged the parents to discover what makes their child different and to embrace it to encourage effective learning. She shared that a parent is his child’s “most important teacher” – from whom the child “develops his attitude for learning.” She challenged the parents to ask themselves, “What am I teaching my child today?”

Parenting styles impact a child’s development. While there may be no definite right or wrong approach to parenting, it’s crucial that parents learn how to use their style in improving or enhancing their child’s skills and potential. The second guest speaker Dr. Randy Dellosa, a well-respected life coach and psychologist, shared, “You are the most influential force in your child’s life. Your parenting style will either make or break him or her.”

Instructor of Kumon EDSA-Pasay Center, Teacher Agnes Santos, also took the floor to share her experiences and learning as a parent and as an educator. She challenged the one-size-fits-all mindset in learning that most of us may be accustomed to. Teacher Agnes is advocating that a child should be given an opportunity for education that fits him personally.”Help children to reach their maximum potential with right motivation and right environment”, she said. With anecdotes of her Kumon students, she affirmed the words of founder, Mr. Toru Kumon who said “The rate at which one develops his abilities depends as much on different levels of perceptiveness of those around as on his level of ability.”

The seminar was hosted by Patty Laurel, whose successful career history is a testimony of a true achiever. Aside from being a well-rounded personality, Patty is also a devoted pre-school teacher. She shares from her experience, “Every child is unique!”

More than 400 parents attended the event, contributing to the unmarred four years of success for the Kumon Philippines’ Education and Parenting Series.