Math Anxiety in Children? 5 Proven Strategies Parents Can Do To Help Build Confidence

math anxiety in children math 5 Proven Strategies

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Apr 10, 11:51 am

Photo: (Photo : OLI SCARFF /Getty Images)

Math anxiety in children is a common issue that many parents face.

When children struggle with math, they can become overwhelmed, anxious, and frustrated.

This can lead to a cycle of avoidance, further exacerbating the problem. However, there are ways that parents can help their children overcome math anxiety and build confidence in their math abilities.

What Is Math Anxiety?

According to Third Space Learning, math anxiety is a feeling of fear, tension, or apprehension that some individuals experience when faced with math-related tasks or situations.

It can manifest in a variety of ways, including with physical symptoms such as sweating or shaking as well as emotional symptoms such as a sense of dread or panic.

It can occur in those who struggle with math as well as in those who excel at it. This type of anxiety can be triggered by a variety of factors, including past negative experiences with math, a lack of confidence in one's math abilities, or pressure to perform well in math-related tasks.

Fortunately, there are strategies that individuals can use to overcome math anxiety, such as seeking support from a teacher or tutor, practicing math skills regularly, and reframing negative thoughts about math.

With the right support and strategies, individuals can overcome math anxiety and build confidence in their math abilities.

Top 5 Proven Strategies To Overcome Math Anxiety in Children

Here are five proven strategies that parents can use to help their children overcome math anxiety:

Emphasize progress over perfection

Children who struggle with math often have a negative view of their abilities. According to The Conversation, to counteract this, parents can focus on their child's successes in math.

Celebrate even the small wins, such as getting a good grade on a quiz or homework assignment. When a child feels confident in their ability to succeed, they are more likely to approach math with a positive attitude.

Practice math exercises with your kids

Practicing math skills at home can help children feel more comfortable with math. Parents can work with their child on math homework, review past assignments, or use online resources to practice math skills.

By practicing math with their child, parents can provide support and encouragement, while also reinforcing important math concepts.

Include games when studying for math

Math games can be a fun and engaging way for children to practice their math skills. Board games, card games, and online math games can all be effective tools for improving math skills. By making math fun and engaging, children are more likely to approach math with enthusiasm.

Write out a summary of key concepts

As recommended by the Child Mind Institute, test-taking can be a significant source of stress for children with math anxiety. One way to alleviate this stress is to encourage your child to write out important information before they begin their test.

This could include formulas, equations, or key concepts that they need to remember. By having this information written down, children are less likely to feel overwhelmed or forget important information during the test.

Change the negative thinking associated in math

Finally, parents can help their children overcome math anxiety by encouraging them to switch their mindset. Instead of viewing math as a daunting challenge, children can learn to see math as an opportunity for growth and learning. Encourage your child to focus on the process of learning math, rather than the outcome. This can help children feel more confident in their abilities and approach math with a growth mindset.

Math anxiety in children can be a significant source of stress and frustration. However, there are ways that parents can help their children overcome math anxiety and build confidence in their math abilities.

With these five proven strategies, parents can help their children succeed in math and overcome math anxiety.