Helping children discover what they are capable of
Langford grew from a simple question: what if children are capable of much more than we expect, given the right conditions to learn?
For more than 40 years, psychologist Sylvia Langford has worked with children, families and educators, exploring how people develop independence, confidence and the habits that support learning.
Over time, Sylvia saw how much children could do when adults gave them clear guidance, time to try and support when they needed it.
In 2009, Sylvia founded the family educational company that became Langford, together with her daughter Joyce Pacheco Langford and son Mark Pacheco Langford.
They brought different strengths to the work: Sylvia's educational experience, Joyce's creativity in music and learning design, and Mark's work in systems and technology. Together, they developed structured programs that children can follow with increasing independence.
Refined through years of classroom and family experience, Langford has evolved from printed materials and videos into a digital learning platform for schools and families.
Our purpose remains the same: to help children develop the skills and habits to become capable, responsible and independent learners.
We continue to question and improve our approach, recognising that there is always more to discover about how children learn.
History and evolution
- 1980Sylvia Langford begins exploring how children and adults learn, starting with English teaching for Spanish-speaking adults. Her early approaches draw on a range of teaching ideas, including elements of Suggestology
- 2003The method expands into early childhood education, laying the groundwork for what would become the six-habit framework
- 2008–2009Adaptation for children with ADHD
- 2009Presented at the WFMH World Mental Health Congress in Athens, Greece
- 2011Letter of support from UNESCO's Regional Bureau of Education for Latin America and the Caribbean (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago)
- 2011Presented at the WFMH World Mental Health Congress in Cape Town, South Africa
- 2016–2019Mental maths assessment records from students in Chile and Peru
- 2024Assessment of children's habits and self-control at school, and the importance of early habit formation
Sylvia Langford: psychologist, author and creator of the Langford Method.
For more than 40 years, Sylvia Langford has worked directly with more than 14,000 people, helping them develop self-control and independence as they work towards their goals. Over this time, more than 88,000 students have participated in Langford Method programs, and more than 300 schools have worked with the Method through programs, talks and training on its philosophy and approach.
Journey
Six Experiences That Shaped Sylvia
High-performance athlete
Sports coach
English teacher and pioneering Kumon instructor in Chile
Clinical psychologist
Entrepreneur
Supporting people with additional needs
Awards by year
Awards received throughout her life
- 1984
“Best Athlete”, Chilean Field Hockey Federation
- 1985
“National Top Scorer”, Chilean Field Hockey Federation
- 1997
“Kumon Chile Instructor”, in recognition of her contribution to student growth and continued participationRio de Janeiro, Brazil
- 1998
“Pioneer Instructor”, Kumon ChileTokyo, Japan
- 1999
“Kumon Chile Instructor”, in recognition of her planning and of students who progressed beyond their school levelSalvador, Brazil
- 2007
Recognition on International Women's Day for her career and contribution to the municipality of La ReinaPresented by Mayor Luis Montt and the Municipal Council
- 2014
“100 Leading Women”Economía y Negocios, El Mercurio, Chile
In the media
Media Coverage
Television
- Una Belleza Nueva, with Cristián Warnken
- Matinal Mucho Gusto
- Nicolate, with Nicolás Larraín
- Caso a Caso, with Eli de Caso
- Bienvenidos
- Inspiradores
- Interview on Cable Andino
- Education debate
Publications
- “La psicomaga”Article in Spanish
- “La revolución Langford”Article in Spanish
- “El impacto transformador del Método Langford en contextos educativos”Article in Spanish
- “El método para no criar niños malcriados”Article in Spanish
- “Educar en armonía”Article in Spanish
- “La psicóloga que ayuda a los padres a no criar niños malcriados”Article in Spanish
- “El error de la sobreprotección adulta”Article in Spanish
- “Criar es difícil: significa hacerse cargo de tu hijo y dejar de culpar a otros”Article in Spanish
- “Hablamos de que la educación es mala, pero no hablamos de los niños”Article in Spanish
- “Jugar es vivir”Article in Spanish
- “Un camino para que los estudiantes sean protagonistas de su propia vida”Article in Spanish
- “Padres 3.0: los desafíos de ser padres”, with Felipe VielArticle in Spanish
- “El desafío de los padres hoy es lograr que sus hijos hagan lo que tienen que hacer”Article in Spanish
Radio
- Panellist on Eli de Caso's program “Aló Agricultura”
- “Divina Conexión”, with Kenita Larraín: parenting and early childhood education
- “Divina Conexión”, with Kenita Larraín: tantrums in children and adults
- Live broadcast on Niclimit, “¿Educación o evasión? El rol de la tecnología en la educación moderna”
More than four decades of experience helping children develop self-control and independence, so they can grow with greater confidence.
Not sure where to start?
The 2-minute quiz suggests one habit to focus on first, with a practical idea to try.
Take the 2-Minute Family Habits Quizor see plans and pricing →