Are you an adult who will often claim they’re horrible at math whenever a child asks you for help with understanding their homework? You need to stop doing that. Also try not saying that you don’t understand why math has to be so complicated. If you can’t help them, remind yourself that your child has support at school for extra help.
Do you or your child struggle with math? Learning together can be fun.
Parents should help learners with homework while showing empathy.
Childhood scars can be innocently perpetuated by well meaning parents who simply think that they are trying to show empathy toward their child’s math. It is not that people who declare math is difficult are necessarily wrong. It’s more that they are not saying anything helpful to the child whom they are trying to help.
When Allwright’s son started struggling with math, he realized he was about to “impart to my son a similar soul-crushing math experience that I had.” Instead, Allwright took a deep breath and “was able to show him that math wasn’t hard or complicated.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- There is a new trend in education that’s sweeping the nation. Teachers are asking parents to try to keep a positive attitude about math.
- Experts have found that math anxiety can be passed on from parent to child.
- Educators hope to spread this new information to as many parents as possible. A positive attitude and a bit of support can be all your child needs to be a math superstar!
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Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.
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A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
