How to overcome the maths fear

No other subject raises such contrasting reactions as math. It is at once thrilling, enjoyable, puzzling and quirky. No wonder then that there are two distinct groups – maths lovers and math haters, and nothing in between!

No matter how much we hate math this is not something we can do without. We need maths in our everyday lives – whether we go to the bank, to buy goods, clothes, to save money or purchase a new property. The ability to quickly solve numerical problems will make life far simpler. And since this subject is so critical for us, it is best to get over the incessant fear of the subject as quickly as possible.

The first step to overcoming this fear is to acknowledge that the fear exists. Psychologists and educationists both agree that the fear of a subject grows manifold when one tries to run away from it instead of accepting it. Making a child understand this aspect is important. If required, a child should be introduced to play groups where maths is taught through novel and entertaining techniques.

Often those who hate maths do not like to practise it either. They try and stay away from the subject because they fear it. The first step to get over this constant fear is by getting into the habit of practising sums. Students should take one step at a time, and solve a sum or two daily. Doing simple equations and then graduating onto bigger and more complex ones. Here, little victories will give the child the confidence to move ahead!

Trying to solve daily practical problems is another way of getting rid of this fear. It’s best to take children to the grocery store or for shopping and acquaint them with numbers. As familiarity with numbers grows, the fear will naturally evaporate! Solving practical problems makes children enjoy a subject much more than what they learn through books.

Starting young is the best way to beat this fear. So whether a parent and child is out shopping, at the zoo, or on the breakfast table – just as children are familiarised with colours, shapes and proper nouns, numbers too should be introduced early in their lives.

Finally, it’s best not to compete with the best boy or girl in class who solves maths puzzles in a jiffy! Rather understanding one’s own problem and giving time to oneself to gradually overcome this fear will help a great deal.

Fear of any subject is an unwarranted creation of the mind. It’s best to win over the fear of maths through constant practice and application of numbers in daily life.