It is a common observation that a large number of children do not like mathematics, in fact, they simply hate it. Students who are struggling are likely to say things like “I hate math class” or “math is too hard.”

But it is important to dig down to what is it that makes so many students dislike math? What can be done to ensure that more students see how enjoyable and rewarding it can be?

If your child is one of the many students who dislike math, there are some things you can do to make the situation better. Continue reading to learn why so many people dislike math and how you can teach your child to see it as more than just numbers and equations.

Common reasons children dislike mathematics

There are only a few ways to get marks
Marks in subjects like English or writing can be based on a variety of factors such as creativity, spelling, grammar, style, punctuation, and more. There are few opportunities to earn marks in math because an answer can only be correct or incorrect.

How to fix this problem?

Help your child learn to see correct or incorrect answers as positive. It can be difficult to achieve high marks on essays and reading assignments because there are so many different ways to award or deduct points. If your child works hard and understands the material, he or she has a good chance of scoring well on his or her tests.

Students believe mathematics is a dull subject
Some students dislike math because they believe it is boring. They don’t get as excited about numbers and formulas as they do about history, science, languages, and other subjects that seem more interesting to them. Math is viewed as abstract and irrelevant figures that are difficult to comprehend.

How to fix this problem?

To stir up your child’s interest in math, show him or her how it relates to real-world scenarios. If you have any relatives or friends who work with numbers as a profession, ask them to talk to your child about it the next time they come to visit. You can also demonstrate how math is used in everyday life, such as when totaling groceries and telling time.

Mathematics requires a lot of memorization
Many students who struggle with math have difficulty remembering all of the rules and equations involved. In reality, memorization is only one aspect of math learning.

How to fix this problem?

Instead of simply memorizing these formulas, students should focus on understanding how and why they work. Students who rely on memorization to learn math are unable to apply their knowledge and become discouraged when challenged to think outside the box.

In your child’s extra time, give him or her number-based brain puzzles that emphasize problem-solving skills over memorization. These can be an enjoyable way to get your child interested in math.

Mathematics requires making a lot of mistakes
Math requires a lot of mistakes in order to learn. Students must repeatedly ask the same questions until they get the correct answers, which can be frustrating. Getting wrong answers repeatedly can decrease one’s confidence, leading them to avoid the subject altogether.

How to fix this problem?

It is essential that children do not avoid tasks that are difficult and require hard work. Help your child understand that the more difficult it is to get the right answer, the more satisfying it will be when he or she does.

If your child becomes discouraged while learning math, remind him or her that making mistakes is part of the learning process. This important lesson applies both in the classroom and in everyday life.

Just because a child is not showing interest in mathematics now that does not he or she never will. It requires you to make this subject interesting to them. Try to relate mathematics to real-world situations. It will make the child realize its practical implications.

Train the child that it is normal to make mistakes in mathematics. But once he or she masters a certain concept, it can bring them 100 percent marks. Getting 100 marks, in the end, is worth every struggle.