There’s a general perception that mathematics is difficult. We’ve been told this by older people and somehow this has stuck with us. Ever heard someone say, “Well, I don’t think I’m a math person”? Such comments have in one way or the other contributed to the perception of the difficulty of math and have also led to the creation of a certain divide; math people and non-math people.

Increasingly, parents or guardians project their challenges with mathematics on their dependents. Three out of five students would choose mathematics as a more difficult subject when compared to other subjects. Undoubtedly, mathematics can be quite challenging. The subject is systematic and cumulative in nature. As such, a weak foundation goes a long way to affecting the understanding of the subject.

As much as some people would have wished to avoid the subject, this is not entirely possible. Numeracy skill is essential not only for higher education but for daily life. So, as parents and caregivers, how do we build confidence with numbers in children?

It starts with you. It’s okay to have your challenges with the subject. However, if you tell your child how terrible you are with math, you’re reinforcing that narrative for your child as well. Change your language about numbers around children so that you don’t imbibe the fear of math in them at their foundational stages.

It is useful to identify some of the reasons why children tend to have anxiety when it comes to math or numbers. Do they find it boring? Do they need extra lessons outside of the regular classroom work? Is there a possibility of an actual disability such as dyscalculia? By identifying the root cause, parents can then take progressive steps to ensure a more adaptable way of learning the subject.

Support and encourage. Scientists say, that every normal functioning brain can comprehend numbers. This means, in the absence of a disability, every child has the potential to excel in math. Support children with learning tools and an enabling environment. Most importantly, encourage them.