What to Do When Your Kids Hate Math?

As a parent, it can be incredibly frustrating to see your child struggle with math. Well, many parents face the same challenge. But, did you know, you can actually make your child love math using the right techniques? Yes, research shows that 46% of students say they love math. So, there is a chance.

What can you do when your child hates math? Let’s see some strategies to help your child develop a more positive relationship with math.

Why Do Kids Hate Math?

First, it’s essential to understand why kids hate math. There are several reasons:

1. It’s Too Hard: Some kids find math difficult because it requires logical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be challenging to develop.
2. It’s Boring: For others, math seems uninteresting and monotonous, especially if they don’t see its practical applications.
3. It’s Overwhelming: The volume of homework and the pressure to perform can make math feel like a burden.
4. It’s Abstract: Unlike subjects with more tangible elements, math can feel too theoretical, making it hard for kids to grasp.

Why Do People Hate Math?

It’s not just kids; many people across different age groups struggle with math. Why do people hate math?

• Early Negative Experiences: Negative experiences in early education can leave a lasting impact, making people dread math for years.
• Anxiety and Fear of Failure: Math anxiety is real, and it can prevent people from engaging with the subject positively.
• Lack of Understanding: Without a solid foundation, advanced math concepts can seem insurmountable, leading to frustration and dislike.

Understanding why people hate math can give you insights into your child’s struggles and help you address them more effectively.

Strategies to Help Your Child with Math

1. Find the Goldilocks Challenge Level

Think about a time when you were deeply engaged in learning because it was neither too easy nor too hard. This is the Goldilocks challenge level—just right. Finding this level for your child can help them enjoy math more. If the problems are too easy, they’ll be bored; too hard, and they’ll be frustrated.

If your child is working on addition and can do single-digit problems easily but struggles with double-digit addition, start with simple double-digit problems and gradually increase the difficulty as they get more comfortable.

2. Adjust the Assignment Length

If your child is overwhelmed by lengthy assignments, consider shortening them. They don’t have to do every problem if it makes them miserable. Instead, focus on the most critical problems to avoid burnout and help them concentrate better.

If a worksheet has 20 problems, ask your child to complete only 10, focusing on a mix of easier and more challenging problems. This keeps them engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Practice and Review

Sometimes, the key to overcoming math challenges is more practice. If your child struggles with retaining information, go back and review previous lessons. Ensure they have a strong understanding of basic concepts before moving on to more complex topics.

Let’s say, your child is learning multiplication, but still struggles with addition, spend extra time practicing addition with flashcards or fun math games before moving on.

4. Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks

For children with short attention spans, breaking assignments into smaller chunks can be very effective. Set a timer for short intervals and ask your child to focus during that time. Instead of asking your child to do an hour of math homework, break it into four 15-minute sessions with short breaks in between. This makes the task more manageable.

5. Minimize Writing

Writing can add to the stress of math assignments, especially for younger kids. Allow them to answer questions orally or use a whiteboard, which can be more engaging and less tiring than traditional pencil and paper.

6. Support and Mentor

Support your child by being involved in their learning process. Instead of sending them off to work on math alone, spend a few minutes each day going over the lessons together. This can make a big difference in their understanding and attitude toward math.

You can sit with your child and work through a few problems together each day. Explain concepts in different ways until they understand, and praise their efforts to build confidence.

7. Model a Positive Attitude

Your attitude towards math can significantly influence your child’s perspective. Even if you don’t like math, try to maintain a neutral or positive demeanor when discussing it. This can help reduce their anxiety and resistance.

Instead of saying, “I was never good at math,” try saying, “Math can be challenging, but we can figure it out together.” This shows a positive and supportive attitude.

8. Use a Teacher’s Guide

Teacher’s guides can be valuable resources, offering explanations, examples, and activities to reinforce learning. They can help you teach math concepts more effectively and make learning more enjoyable for your child.Use the guide to find fun activities or games that align with the current lesson. 

9. Celebrate Accomplishments

Celebrate your child’s successes to keep them motivated. Acknowledge their progress and efforts, no matter how small, to build their confidence and make math feel less like a chore. When your child masters a new math skill, celebrate with a small reward, like a sticker or extra playtime. This reinforces their efforts and encourages them to keep trying.

10. Teach Both How and Why

Understanding the “why” behind math concepts can make learning more meaningful. Encourage your child to think about why they are learning something and how it applies to real life. This deeper understanding can make math more interesting and less abstract.

When teaching addition, explain how it’s used in everyday situations like shopping or cooking. Show them that math is not just about numbers on a page but has real-world applications.

11. Review Completed Assignments Together

Instead of correcting homework on your own, review assignments with your child. Discuss the correct answers and work through any mistakes together. This collaborative approach helps reinforce learning and shows your child that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Praise their correct answers and gently guide them through any mistakes, discussing how to avoid them in the future.

Final Thoughts

Helping your child overcome their dislike for math is not an overnight process. It requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive attitude, you can help your child build a more positive relationship with math. Remember, the goal is not just to improve their math skills but also to reduce the stress and frustration that often come with the subject. With the right support, your child can learn to approach math with more confidence and less resistance.

You can find more tips and resources at Mathema to make math a fun and engaging experience for your child.

FAQs

1. Why does my child understand math one day but forget it the next?

Math anxiety is a major issue. It is caused by a lack of basics or inconsistent practice. Regular practice with positive reinforcement can help build retention and confidence over time.

2. How can I tell if my child has a math learning disability such as dyscalculia?

Symptoms include difficulty with basic math facts, understanding quantities, and linking concepts. Consult a specialist if your child often struggles with simple math problems. Or if they show significant anxiety about math.

3. My child is anxious about math tests. How can I support her?

To improve math performance, encourage regular practice, teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, and maintain a positive attitude toward math. If possible, reward effort rather than results, and consider professional support if needed.