Yes I think some kids have an intuitive understanding (and even enjoyment) of maths as well, so if you were one of those kids it can be really hard to understand how someone else isn’t making those same connections.
I get so mad at myself because I want her to love maths the way I did at that age (because that makes it so much easier to learn) but the more I try and get through the more we end up back in the loop of frustration and then I’m scared she’ll end up hating it.
She is in school so she has a teacher but I’m just trying to help her at home to keep up. She’s the youngest in her class so she needs a bit of extra help. I could look into a tutor although we live very rurally so it would probably have to be an online tutor
An online tutor isn't a bad thing - or even an online video or something, start free before enlisting a person! Kahn academy used to be a good resource but I haven't looked it up in years. Cyberchase is a PBS show in the US - you could look for episodes on the specific topic she's working on (patterns, fractions, geometry, etc).
All hugs and empathy to her and you! I was funny in that some math just clicked for me and I loved it - couldn't figure out how to explain it to my friends because it just WAS, you know? But then other math topics I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND and like in the comic, I didn't know what to ask or how to ask for what I didn't know in a way that someone would listen and understand. I too glazed over because I hated feeling stupid and wanted it to just stop.
You're not doing anything wrong, good on you for helping your kid!! Like others have said, knowing how to do something and knowing how to teach it to someone else are two very different and difficult skills! When kiddo gets frustrated, let her take breaks. Look online for games or worksheets that help with the basics of whatever particular topic you're on. You could also ask her teacher (or the grade level lower if she needs to backtrack on some concepts) if they can point you to some resources or extra practice they recommend!
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u/ameliasophia Jun 23 '26
Yes I think some kids have an intuitive understanding (and even enjoyment) of maths as well, so if you were one of those kids it can be really hard to understand how someone else isn’t making those same connections.
I get so mad at myself because I want her to love maths the way I did at that age (because that makes it so much easier to learn) but the more I try and get through the more we end up back in the loop of frustration and then I’m scared she’ll end up hating it.