For parents who struggle with maths

In a recent study of more than 2000 mothers and fathers, found that more than half lacked the confidence to help children with the simple sums in the home. Not only that, but just one in twenty correctly answered a full list of questions suitable for pupils aged 11 and under. One of the biggest concerns is that parents wear this inability to do maths as a badge of honour. At 10Ticks we have mentioned this before as a key area that can affect your child’s attitude towards maths. The reason for this is that if your child see’s that you don’t like maths and never did it immediately gives them an excuse to not like it as well. This means they will drag their feet when it comes to homework especially when they can say to the parent “you never liked maths so why should I”. It also means in class they may not pay as much attention and won’t mind not doing as well as they could.

Positive reinforcement for all education is really important. Looking specifically at maths, if you emphasise the positive aspects like how it is used in nearly every aspect of life, how problem solving can be fun and that doing well in maths can lead to better jobs. Your children will see maths as an opportunity rather than a hindrance on their lives. This is something we always try and emphasis to parent because it is really important, as a positive attitude towards anything is always going to produce better results than a negative one. This is especially true with children as they look up to their parents for advice and guidance.

In the 10Ticks Online Maths System we try and incorporate as much positive reinforcement as possible. That is why we created our built in Merit System which rewards students where ever possible. These merits then lead to printable certificates which they can print out and take home and display them with pride. Not only that, parents and teachers can also award merits where they see fit along with a message of encouragement as well.

So if you are a parent who doesn't like maths don’t worry you don’t have to be an expert, just have a positive attitude towards maths and your kids will be none the wiser.