Tips for Helping Your Child Enjoy Math

It seems that there is a strong difference of student opinions when it comes to mathematics and related studies: children either love it or hate it. But it doesn't have to be this way. Math can be frustrating, but there are ways to make the learning experience more enjoyable for your child.

• Do math together: Whether it's a child's math homework assignment or adding up the monthly bills, sitting down with your child to help them with math makes it feel like a shared responsibility and lightens the pressure your student might be feeling when working on his/her own. Using examples of math from your bills, grocery coupons, and home repair projects can show your child the relevant role that math plays in a grown-up world.
• Make mathematics a hands-on experience: Using physical objects and real scenarios to demonstrate numbers visually enhances mathematics and appeals to a younger student's interests. If you're planning a party or event, enlist your child to help you add guests, calculate cost per guest, or count out utensils and favors.
• Ask for help if you need it: Tutoring programs are available almost anywhere, and since they use tried and true methods for dealing with math (among other studies), chances are they'll have something fun and creative in store for your child. If your child begins to feel more confident about learning math through tutoring, he/she will undoubtedly enjoy it more.