It’s critical for parents of children with dyscalculia to paint math and numbers in a positive light — especially when they themselves struggle with math concepts or even dyscalculia. “We know that this runs in families … so the parents might have a not-so-good memory of their own math class, but it is not a good plan to share that with their kids and start talking negatively about math,” Schreuder says.
Instead, Schreuder suggests making time to explore math concepts with your child in a fun and friendly way. Play dominoes and ask your child to count the dots on each domino as you go. (You can also do this with dice.) Board games involving math can also help your child develop their numeracy skills.
Most importantly, Schreuder says, when your child keeps struggling to solve a homework question, don’t answer it for them. Instead, work through it with them to better understand where in the problem-solving process they’re getting lost. And don’t forget to encourage them when they do figure it out!
It’s also critical to teach your student how to advocate for their educational needs and accommodations, Schreuder says, especially as they enter middle and high school. “You want them to stand on their own legs and become their own advocate and feel comfortable to say, ‘Yes, I have dyscalculia, and this is why I need this extra time.’”
For more information, see our article Dyscalculia 101.
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