One Question Changes EVERYTHING....!!!!

Many of my clients come to me agonizing over their child's lack of confidence in Math, observing that their child may even have anxiety! They share with me they tell their child that 'They're not a Math person, either," or, "I always hated Math, too, honey," or some such statement. I believe these statements come from an empathetic place. However, they have the opposite effect the parent wants!

These statements only cement the belief that if you're not a 'Math person', you never will be.

This is simply not the case!

The wonderful thing about the human brain is its neuroplasticity! We can grow and change and learn new things! Even...MATH!!

I would encourage you to stop using this negative vocabulary with your child immediately, and replace it with hopeful statements. This is not to gloss over your past or present struggles with Math! It's okay to empathize, but not okay to state that there's nothing you can do about it.

So what do we do?

Luckily, it's very easy to start the process of empowering your child as an expert in Math! And it starts with one simple question in a very unlikely place!

The question is...

"I wonder...?"

And the place to use it is...THE GROCERY STORE!

You see, "I wonder..." puts the child in a very non-defensive place, rather than when we as adults DEMAND an answer. AND...it makes them feel like they are helping! What a magnificent confidence boost!

Can you see how different this is than saying, "WHAT IS the total of this item plus this item?" They will not feel put on the spot. They won't feel as though they have to perform! And, a huge plus, they will also feel that they are helping you.

So many times, as parents, teachers, caregivers, in our desire to teach our children and prepare them for the real world, we seize upon teaching moments to demand an answer, or preach a cause, and we cease listening or giving a chance for our child to show-off their skills. This magical question allows them to show-off in a non-defensive situation where they don't even know we are seeking an answer! How awesome is that!

Let me know when and how you try it! I can't wait to hear how creative you get with this!

XOXO

-B