Why math is so initimidating for students?

Math is the most divided subject in school.

Many children excel at math topics such as problem-solving, numeracy and geometry. However, some kids find math so difficult that they feel frustrated, overwhelmed or anxious about math.

Your child shouldn't be ashamed or embarrassed if they are having trouble with math and need math homework help. Every person has different strengths and challenges in learning. You are in a unique position as a parent to help your child overcome these challenges and make math more fun.

This article will discuss reasons your child may find math difficult, and how you can help them as a parent.

7 reasons why math is difficult for students

You can help your child learn math by understanding why it is difficult. Many children find that it's not what they are learning in math is difficult but how, and why.

These are common reasons math can be difficult for children to understand:

1. Attention and concentration problems

Your child must focus and follow the steps when they are trying to solve a math problem. They are more likely to lose focus or become distracted during the process and make mistakes.

Repeating the same mistakes over and over can lead to a decrease in confidence and enthusiasm for solving math problems. This is especially true if your child feels like they are falling behind their peers.

2. Inadequacy of understanding

Many math lessons begin with a teacher explaining a problem and then walking the class through a step by step process to solve it.

Your child may feel more confident if they have seen a teacher solve a particular problem using a certain method.

However, if they are faced with a more difficult problem in the future, they may realize that they don't understand the method they were taught. This could lower your child's confidence and cause them to avoid telling their teacher. It can also make it difficult for them to understand the method.

Other reasons your child might have difficulty understanding a math concept include absences from school, vacations, and sick days. This can make math more difficult for your child if they are unable to catch up on the learning that they have missed.

3. Learning difficulties & disabilities

Although teachers do an amazing job of bringing out the best from their students, every child learns differently in the classroom.

It's difficult for children with learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities to enjoy math without the help of a teacher or assistant who can properly support them.

5. Too little opportunity

Children have many opportunities to enjoy their hobby or sport outside of school, including art shows and science fairs as well as soccer and drama clubs. What about math?

Children are often unaware of the many ways they can practice basic math beyond school and homework. This can lead to a loss of interest and make it difficult for children to be motivated in math.

It doesn't have to be this way. Engaging, educational resources such as Prodigy can change this by providing your child with plenty of opportunities to practice math outside of school.

6. Left-brained vs. Right-brained

Each child is unique, and so are their likes and dislikes when it comes school subjects.

Learners can generally be divided into two groups depending on what type of subject they are interested in. This is called being left-brained and right-brained.

This is how it works.

• Right-brained people love being creative and using their words to express themselves. These people enjoy art, English drama, and music.
• Left-brained people are opposite to right-brained. They enjoy solving problems in science, math and technology.

Although the jury is still out about whether our brains really are hardwired in this manner, many people believe that children and adults have a preference for certain subjects.

Your child could be right-brained if they struggle to understand math because they aren't in their comfort zone.

7. Math anxiety

Are your children anxious about math? They might have anxiety and find math difficult to learn.

Math anxiety refers to a fear that is experienced when faced with math problems. This phobia is most common in children and adults who are placed in testing environments. However, it can also occur when students have to do homework or take math classes.

There are many ways math anxiety can manifest. When they take a math test or class, your child might be quiet or anxious and not want to go to school. You may also notice physical symptoms such as shaking and nausea. Math anxiety is not easy, but it can be managed with the help of professionals such as tutors, counselors, and teachers.

Find out the real-life benefits of math

Math is difficult for students because they don’t see its value in everyday life. This attitude is harder to overcome when students start high school math. High school math is more theory-based.

Ask your child why math is important in their lives. Explain to your child that math has many real-life benefits.

• More job opportunities-- Math skills are highly in demand as a STEM subject and will allow your child many opportunities to reach their career goals.
• Improved money management - Understanding topics such as interest and budgeting will help your child save money and manage their money more effectively, allowing them to have more fun and enjoy the things they love.
• Math skills-- This is a great way for you to learn technical skills in engineering, computer science and robotics.
• Problem-solving skills - Students learn math skills that allow them to think critically and use logic and reasoning to solve problems, allowing them to make better choices.