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5 Essential Ways for Parents to Help Their Kids Love Math

5 Essential Ways for Parents to Help Their Kids Love Math

 

Math is hard. Math is a waste of time. I hate math.
They could love it. They could enjoy all their lessons. And you, as their parents, can help them achieve just that. Learning math should never be confined within the closed doors of the classrooms. It should be everywhere. And the fact that you spend more time with your kids than anyone out there is a sure sign that you have to take an active role in instilling in them their love for math.
We've come up with 5 essential ways on how you can help your kids love the world of numbers.

1. Play games.

 This is an obvious method. There's no better way to stimulate your child's mind than to engage them in fun-filled activities. There are countless games available from playing get me to various downloadable apps. You need not be critical in choosing a number-oriented game at all times. Remember, every game can be related to math. Even board games. Roll the dice and ask your kid how many dots they see. Or ask them how many moves they still have before they can reach the finish line. The most important thing is to make it appear that you're just playing and not doing math activities. Just have fun!

2. Make everyday chores a fun math exercise.

 You can get your kids to practice their numbers even while doing their chores or yours. Tell them to clean their closet or count how many toys they have. Do the laundry with them. Ask them how many shirts are in there or how many pairs of socks can they see. It's the everyday things that will help them practice their way of thinking. It orients them on the practical side of math, it's not all about the numbers, the sequential counting or workbooks.

3. Tap into their interests. 

  They'll relate to the questions even more. There's now a personal touch to it. Ask them how many dresses they like to buy for their Barbie or how many friends Barney has. If they love to swim then let them count how many strokes they can do today, how about yesterday. If he loves to play ball then ask him how many balls can he shoot into the basket.

4. Transform each activity into a learning opportunity.

 Activities don't need to be confined in the home or in front of the table. You can do it anywhere, any time. Even when you're on the road, ask them how many cars they see or how many houses you have to pass before you reach the house. There's just so much you can do and relate to math. But the best is when you're doing your groceries. Let them tag along. Ask them to identify the prices. Or you can give them simple additions like I need two tomatoes for this dish and another three for another dish. Let them get the total tomatoes you need. It'll be so much fun for them.

5. Never give up.

  This is the challenge for you. Not all our children are as gifted as the rest. Not all kids would be excited to answer your questions or join your activities. But don't ever give up! How can you when your kid needs all the help he can get especially during his formative years. Search for that one thing or that one activity that your kid shows a bit more interest than the rest then go from there. Branch out.

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