If not addressed, their feelings of inadequacy and failure can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. These hints for your child can help turn a child’s math anxiety into math success, says Joannie Wilson, a teacher and math department chair at North Middle School in Omaha, Neb.

• Remember that boys and girls can do math equally well.

• Be positive. When you start to think math is hard, it will be. You are much more likely to solve a problem if you think you can.

• When you start to feel anxious about math, stop and take a deep breath. Work on something else for a few minutes.

• Make a list of your math worries on a sheet of paper. Next to each worry, write down a possible solution.

• Be prepared. Study math every day.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Other students probably have the same question as you.

• Write questions down while studying, so you remember them.

• Keep notes, old tests, and quizzes to study from later.

• Occasionally review past material to show yourself how much you remember.

• Redo problems you miss so you understand them.

• Study with a friend or tell your parents what you are learning. People understand more when they explain it to someone else.

• Keep a sense of humor. If you miss a problem, it’s not the end of the world.
  

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