Overcoming Math Anxiety: It's Not Hereditary.

From August to June, a familiar scene unfolds in households worldwide: sitting at the kitchen table, helping your child with their math homework. It brings back memories of your school days, recalling the frustration on your parents' faces as you struggled to find "x." A wave of fear and dread washes over you as you try to remember whether multiplication or subtraction comes first. You notice a pattern emerging: I hated math, my mom hated math, and my grandmother was also bad at math. Does this mean my child will struggle with math too?

Many people believe their fear of math is something they're born with—an inherited trait passed down from parents or grandparents. However, research shows that math anxiety is not hereditary. Instead, it is often shaped by experiences, beliefs, and teaching methods. Understanding this can empower you to break free from the cycle of math fear and develop a healthier relationship with numbers.

Why Math Anxiety Isn’t Inherited

Math anxiety can stem from many factors, including past experiences in school based on teacher instruction or attitude toward the student, societal stereotypes, and the pressure to perform well. When students encounter challenges or negative experiences with math, it can lead to a fear that lingers throughout their educational journey. But the good news is that these fears can be addressed and overcome!

Three Tips to Help Conquer Math Anxiety

1. Changing Your Mindset

Your mindset plays a crucial role in how you approach math. Embrace the idea that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Instead of thinking, "I'm just not good at math," try reframing it to, "I can improve my math skills with practice." Adopting a growth mindset will help you see challenges as opportunities for growth.

2. Practice Regularly

Like any skill, math requires practice. Set aside a little time each day to work on math problems. Start with concepts you find manageable and gradually increase the difficulty. This consistent practice will build confidence and help you become more comfortable with various math concepts.

3. Get Support from a Tutor

Learning a new skill is hard. How many times you have dreamed of someone taking the burden of breaking down radicals and rationalizing denominators? With a tutor, you can add another resource to help your child build confidence and make connections in mathematics. One of the best ways to overcome math anxiety is to seek effective and efficient help. Consider working with a tutor who can provide personalized guidance and support. Former teachers make great tutors because of their experience with the content and knowledge of content placement.

Math anxiety is not hereditary; it requires practice and additional support to transform a stressful nighttime routine into one of confidence and competence. If you are looking for a tutor, ACG Math Tutoring provides individual and pairing sessions for Algebra 1& 2, Geometry, College Algebra, Precalculus, SAT/ACT math prep, ASVAB, GED Math prep, and Intermediate College Algebra customized sessions to address your individual needs, helping you build a solid foundation in mathematics, and work closely with you to enhance your confidence and improve your application skills.