Math Anxiety Could Be Contagious

Math. Just the word and thought of math causes pain for some. For many people math has always been a struggle. Looking back to our childhood, it seemed to be one of those subjects that some kids did well in, and a constant struggle for others. Which kind of student were you? 

A recent study published by the University of Chicago showed that math anxiety is passed from generation to generation. Researchers measured children's achievement and anxiety level in math at the beginning and end of the school year. Parents were given a questionnaire measuring their own math anxiety, and were asked how often they helped their kids with homework. The study revealed that those students whose parents tried to offer substantial help with homework, despite their own reported discomfort with the subject, learned less math and were more anxious about the subject by the end of the year than those students who had less help from anxious parents.

What to do

If you as a parent don't like math, how can you support your children in their own struggles with math? 

1. Avoid talking negatively about math. Attitude is important. Don't say things like, 'I don't like math' or 'I'm not good at math.'
2. Consider finding outside help. like a math tutor. 
3. Contact your child's teacher for extra support. 
4. Teach your child how to ask for help. It's okay to not understand the first time. It's a learning process.