As a parent, it can be challenging to support your child’s learning in subjects that you find difficult. For many parents, maths is one of those subjects. However, just because you may not have excelled in maths yourself doesn’t mean you can’t help your child succeed.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to overcome your own beliefs and adopt a growth mindset that will enable you to help your child succeed in maths.
1. Embrace a growth mindset
One of the most critical steps you can take is to adopt a growth mindset. This means understanding that you and your child’s math abilities can be developed through hard work, dedication, and persistence. Instead of focusing on past struggles or failures, focus on what you can do to improve your maths skills and help your child succeed.
2. Find your motivation
Identify your reasons for wanting to improve your maths skills. Do you want to help your child succeed? Do you want to improve your own career prospects? Once you know your why, use it to stay focused and motivated as you work to improve your maths skills.
3. Take advantage of resources
There are many resources available to help you improve your maths skills, from online tutorials to classes at a local community college. Here are some of my favourite resources – brilliant.org which illustrates concepts visually, Khan Academy for working through examples, and if you’re looking for worksheets, try our free Mathical Creatures worksheets.
Take advantage of these resources and use them to build your knowledge and confidence in maths.
4. Practice, practice, practice
Practice is key to improving your maths skills, and the more you practice, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to work on maths problems, and challenge yourself to tackle more difficult problems as you improve.
5. Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s a tutor, teacher, or friend, there are people who can help you understand difficult maths concepts and provide support as you work to improve your skills.
6. Avoid negative self-talk
Negative self-talk can be a significant obstacle to overcoming maths anxiety and developing a growth mindset. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, challenge them with positive affirmations and reminders of your progress.
7. Encourage a growth mindset in your child
Finally, encourage a growth mindset in your child by focusing on their efforts and progress rather than their innate ability. Avoid telling your child that you struggled with math, as research has shown that this can have a detrimental impact on their learning. Instead, emphasise the importance of hard work and persistence, and encourage your child to embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes. More on nurturing a growth mindset can be found here.
By following these tips, you can improve your maths skills and support your child’s learning journey with confidence. Remember, the key is to stay positive, stay motivated, and keep practicing. With dedication and hard work, you and your child can succeed in maths and beyond.
