Category: Parenting

It’s hard to imagine that we’ve struggled with math for over 320 centuries. But new research says we’ve been dealing with numbers, equations, and formulas for that long.  Recently discovered markings on animal bones show that humans have been counting, subtracting, and multiplying things since the very beginning.

This ancient history of math has been happening since around 30,000 BC. So why, after all this time and effort, do 6 out of 10 kids still struggle with math?

The answer to the question, obviously, isn’t that simple. But we’ll do our best to break it down and give you an idea. If you have a child seemingly struggling with math, here’s everything you need to know.

Why So Many Children Struggle With Math?

The fact that 60% of kids don’t work hard to acquire even basic math skills isn’t the most worrying thing. It’s the fact that nearly all of the kids who fall behind early on won’t catch up.

Nearly a quarter of Americans are functionally “innumerate.” Never heard of the word before? Well, just like the word “illiterate” describes a lack of writing and reading skills, “innumerate” means the inability to comprehend basic math concepts.

So, why can’t so many children excel in math? Is there something preventing them? New research has pinned down three main reasons:

1. No Building Blocks – Many kids who struggle with math haven’t been given the necessary building blocks at an early age. If a child isn’t exposed to basic concepts from the get-go, they may never be able to understand more advanced math.

2. Math Anxiety – This problem is more serious than you might think. Studies have shown that 93% of US citizens suffer from math anxiety. The fear of numbers and equations makes kids less willing to learn and damages their self-esteem.

3. Learning Disabilities – Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects how children understand numbers and calculations. It makes it difficult for them to concentrate and comprehend math problems, leading to a complete lack of interest in the subject.

5 Signs Your Child Has Math Problems

It’s easy to miss when your child is having difficulty with math. The causes we outlined above are broad, so it’s better to look for more specific signs so your child can find success in their math education.

Here are five indicators that your child has math problems:

1.   High Grades Except for Math

Let’s start with the most obvious signs first. Logically, if your child has math problems, their score in the subject will be lower than average. But it’s also likely that they will do well in other subjects.

So the next time your child brings home a report, check each subject thoroughly and talk to the teacher if you see any discrepancies.

2.   They Talk Negatively About It

Another obvious sign of math problems is when your child talks negatively about math. They may express frustration or disappointment every time the subject comes up.

It’s also common for children to make comments about how they “hate” a certain subject or will “never understand it.”

3.   Having Difficulties With Time Management

The average child has 6 hours of leisure time each day. If they have trouble planning time, adhering to schedules, or judging time increments, there’s a chance they can’t comprehend complex math problems.

Now, this particular sign can be hard to spot because it’s so subtle. But if your child is always taking longer than expected to complete homework, that could indicate something else.

4.   Mental Math Problems

Seeing your child count on their fingers may be fun at a really early age. However, if the habit continues into the upper elementary levels, it might be time for some intervention.

The ability to quickly calculate math equations in their head is a key element of success in the subject. If the child is looking at their hand and doing small finger moves as they count, it could mean their math skills need to be at the expected level.

5.   Difficulty Paying Attention

We live in the age of short attention spans. For years, scientists have claimed that golden fish now have longer spans than most humans. While we can’t back that claim 100%, there’s no denying that many children have difficulty concentrating in school.

That said, if your child has trouble sitting still during math lessons or quickly loses interest in the topic, they may have difficulties understanding it.

5 Ways to Help Your Child Deal With Math Problems

So, as a parent, what can you do to help your child with math? Now that we’ve established the problem let’s look at five solutions to deal with it.

1.   Praise the Effort, Not the Smarts

Who doesn’t like a pat on the back? Praising your child for their hard work and perseverance will help boost their confidence. But you need to commend them for doing and not being something.

Praising their natural intelligence and “genius” won’t have the same effect. A 2007 study revealed that students who get praise for being smart often fail to put in any effort on harder tests and give up easier than their peers.

2.   Effects of Math on Everyday Life

Math is everywhere! From running errands to following a recipe, your child will use math daily. Encouraging them to see the importance of math in the real world could help build their confidence and understanding of the subject.

Of course, all of this depends on the age. Explaining the statistics and equations involved in a stock market may be useful if you have an older child.

1. Practice With the Child Daily

This may seem a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. It’s important to practice math with your child every day. As the developmental psychologist, and best-selling author, Rebecca Fraser-Thrill explains, parental involvement:

• Nurtures academic achievements;
• Helps develop social skills;
• Increases self-esteem.

That’s why you should always set aside a few daily hours to help your child practice math.

4.   Acknowledge Failures

No one likes failure, but it’s an inevitable part of life and sometimes results in failing in school. The only way to help your child deal with it and succeed is by acknowledging their shortcomings and helping them learn how to use failure as an opportunity for growth.

It’s also important to remember that it takes time to learn any new skill. With patience and encouragement, your child will eventually master math.

5.   Hire a Professional to Help

If your child still has difficulty grasping the concepts, you can hire a professional to help with the basic lessons and homework. And you can find math help at levels.

As a matter of fact, some services can help with math homework, even if you’re a college student. So no matter how old your child is, there are professional services that can help them deal with math.

The Proactive Approach is the Only Approach

So, what have we learned? Math is an essential part of life, and it’s important that your child learn how to deal with it. The only way to do this is to be proactive and take the necessary steps to help them understand and develop their skills.

Praise their efforts, show them how math is used daily, practice with them, acknowledge their failures, and hire a professional to help if necessary.

This proactive approach is the only way to ensure your child succeeds and develops a strong understanding of math.

Why does a child need to be creative, conditions for discovering creative potential, how to introduce a child to creativity, identifying abilities by age, effective games and ideas for discovering creative abilities.  According to psychologists, creativity is useful at any age.

That being said, it is easier to develop the creative abilities of a child than in adulthood. So, let’s explore the features of the development of creative abilities in children of primary preschool age.

Why is creativity needed at all?

Creativity and creativity are synonymous. According to psychologists, there are several reasons to include creativity in a child’s life and develop this skill. It:

• Benefits for the psyche – such therapy calms, helps to get rid of stress, negative emotions, aggression.
• Help with learning – therapy unloads the brain, develops empathy. Having calmed down, a person can find a way out of a difficult situation, make the right decision.
• Way of self-expression. With the help of creativity, the world is known, and a person knows himself. In this area, you can experiment without fear that someone will misunderstand you or judge you.

Conditions for the development of creative abilities

In order for creative skills to develop successfully, several conditions must be met:

1. Classes in the physical development of the child in a timely manner and at the right age.
2. Inclusion of creative activities at a younger age.
3. Creating an environment conducive to the development of creative abilities – an emotionally calm microclimate in the family and the team, creating an atmosphere for creative search.
4. Support from parents.
5. Classes are only in the form of a game. Children’s psyche is arranged in such a way that at a younger age information is perceived and remembered only through the game. There is no point in having boring classes.
6. Continuous development – the use of various methods. Every achievement should be praised.
7. Classes should be carried out regularly and systematically. Even if the child is sick and misses kindergarten or a circle, you need to continue to study at home.
8. Help from adults, timely and dosed.
9. Patience for the creative “torments” of the child – if the baby is sitting on a project for a long time, there is no need to push him.
10. Stimulating the child, with possible failures, the baby does not need to be scolded, but you need to support and praise.
11. Young children are willingly involved in the creative process because of their curiosity, desire to know the world and interest in themselves.

How to introduce a child to creativity

Here are some general tips that parents can heed if they want to develop their child’s creativity:

It is important to find a hobby that interests you. There are many facets in creativity that can be successfully developed – modeling, collages, drawing, jewelry, needlework, etc. The task of parents is to direct creativity in the right direction. Some children may already have a strong passion to express themselves creatively they will need an outlet to explore those passions.

Creativity should be gradually introduced into the life of the child. Perhaps the child will like some direction, and he will want to repeat something. Therefore, it is worth visiting exhibitions, master classes in various areas, museums, expositions and more.

You can not criticize the work of the child. If something doesn’t work out for the baby, you don’t need to “cut his wings”. If he wants to create, let him create.

Every parent should understand that there are no incapable and uncreative children. Every child has some talent, you need to find and develop it. The wrong approach on the part of parents, school, society can “kill” a child’s creativity and desire to create.

Ideas for developing creativity

Creative skills and creativity need to be developed. Only a small percentage of children from a young age have the ability to be creative and creative. Therefore, the task of parents is to independently deal with the child before sending him to some circles. A few ideas:

1. Drawing. From a young age, you can give children pencils, paints, paper, craft glitter. Children are very easily drawn into drawing, because the result they get surprises them. From the age of 3-4, drawing becomes meaningful, the child can already express his thoughts through drawing.
2. Sculpting, in addition to creative skills and creativity, also develops fine motor skills of the hands, and also trains memory and visual perception. The result obtained in the craft encourages children to experiment.
3. Application. The essence of the lesson is to cut out the figures and stick them on paper. Suitable for developing a sense of color, shape, rhythm, symmetry. Along with this, children learn the planned organization of work.
4. Unconventional drawing. Older children are no longer interested in drawing just with pencils and paints. They choose non-traditional drawing methods – paraffin candles, cotton buds, combs, toothbrushes. Such activities contribute to the removal of children’s fears, develop self-confidence, and help to achieve inner harmony.
5. Music, reading and literary creativity. These disciplines overlap. The older the child, the more serious musical and literary works he should study. The singing is also very interesting.
6. Theatrical activity. Children are very interested in transforming into various characters. But the older the child gets, the more difficult it is for him. Therefore, the optimal age for visiting the theater circle is 3-4 years. Then it is more difficult to liberate the child.

Creative skills can be developed at any age. The main thing is to choose the right classes and exercises.

Every day, millions of children around the world go to childcare centers. These centers must have staff who are properly trained in paediatric first aid. A child care professional plays a vital role in keeping children safe.

Paediatric first aid training will give you the skills and confidence to deal with various medical emergencies, from minor scrapes and bruises to serious injuries and illnesses. You can provide the best possible care for the children on your watch with proper training.

What Are The Benefits Of Paediatric First-Aid Training?

In the UK, all childcare professionals must have at least a basic level of paediatric first-aid training. This includes nannies, au pairs, childminders, and nursery staff. If you work in a childcare setting, you must ensure that you are properly trained in paediatric first aid.

There are many benefits to having proper paediatric first aid training.

• Saves lives during an emergency
• Provide better care to children
• Essential for first-aid administration
• Easily spots serious problems

Paediatric First Aid training is not just for childcare professionals. Parents at home and teachers in school can benefit from taking a paediatric first aid course as well. By finding a paediatric first aid training provider, parents can be better prepared to deal with minor injuries and illnesses at home. In a more severe accident or illness, parents will know what to do and how to get help for their child.

Understanding the qualifications needed in a childcare setting is essential. Some of these qualifications are legal requirements, while others are best practices. By having a good understanding of the qualifications needed, you can ensure that you provide the best possible care for the children in your setting.

What Paediatric First-Aids Should You Learn?

Regarding paediatric first aid, there are a few essential skills that every child care professional should know. These include:

How to Deal with an Unconscious Child

An unconscious child is not breathing normally. If you see an unconscious child, the first thing you should do is call for help. Then, you should check the child’s airway to ensure it is clear. If it is not, you will need to give the child CPR.

Many factors can cause a child to become unconscious. It is essential to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of common causes of unconsciousness, such as seizures, hypoglycemia, and head injuries.

All of these conditions require immediate medical attention. By knowing how to deal with an unconscious child, you can potentially save a life.

CPR for Children

In the UK, approximately 60,000 children under 15 are taken to hospital each year after suffering a cardiac arrest. CPR can double or triple a child’s chance of survival.

When performing CPR on a child, it is essential to use the correct technique. The ratio of compressions to breaths is different for children than for adults. Additionally, the strength of the compressions and the depth of the breaths must be adjusted for a child’s smaller size.

How to Control Bleeding

When bleeding happens due to an injury, it is vital to act quickly to stop the bleeding. Three main ways to control bleeding are direct pressure, elevation, and compression.

Direct pressure is the most effective way to stop bleeding. To apply direct pressure, use a clean cloth or gauze pad to apply firm pressure directly on the wound. If the cloth or gauze becomes soaked with blood, do not remove it. Instead, add more cloth or gauze on top of it.

If the bleeding is coming from an arm or leg, elevate the limb above the level of the heart. This will help reduce blood flow to the area and slow down the bleeding.

Compression is another way to stop bleeding. To use compression, place a clean cloth or gauze pad over the wound and then wrap an elastic bandage or Ace wrap around it. The bandage should be snug but not too tight.

How to Deal with Burns

Burns are a common type of injury in children. There are three types of burns: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree.

First-degree burns are the least serious. They only affect the top layer of skin and usually heal within a week. Second-degree burns are more serious. They damage the second layer of skin and may take several weeks to heal. Third-degree burns are the most serious. They damage all layers of skin and can cause permanent nerve damage.

If a child has a first or second-degree burn, you should run cool water over the area for at least five minutes. Then, apply a sterile bandage or gauze pad to the area. Do not use ice, ointments, or butter.

If a child has a third-degree burn, do not apply anything to the area. Instead, call 9-1-1 immediately and wait for medical help to arrive.

How to Deal with Choking

Choking is a leading cause of death in children under five. In most cases, choking occurs when a child is eating or playing with small objects.

There are two types of choking – primary and secondary. Primary choking occurs when the airway is completely blocked. Secondary choking occurs when the airway is partially blocked.

If a child is primarily choking, you will need to perform CPR. If a child is choking, you must do the Heimlich manoeuvre.

The Heimlich manoeuvre involves standing behind the child and placing your fist below their ribs. Then, you must thrust your fist upwards and inwards until the object is dislodged.

How to Deal with Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It can occur in response to certain foods, insect stings, or medications.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, and dizziness. If a child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.

While waiting for medical help to arrive, you can give the child an EpiPen if they have one. An EpiPen is a device that delivers a dose of epinephrine, which can help to reduce the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

What To Do in the Event of a Seizure

Seizures are a common type of medical emergency in children. They can be caused by various conditions, including epilepsy, fevers, and head injuries.

If a child is having a seizure, you should stay calm and not try to stop the seizure. Instead, you should focus on keeping the child safe. Move any nearby objects out of the way and place something soft under the child’s head. Do not try to restrain the child or put anything in their mouth.

Once the seizure has stopped, you should check the child’s airway and breathing. If they are not breathing, you will need to perform CPR.

Final Words

Adding paediatric first aid training to your list of qualifications is a great way to improve your childcare skills in the UK. Not only will you be able to provide better care for the children in your setting, but you will also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are prepared for any emergency.  Therefore, childcare providers must have their staff trained for emergency situations.

Learning how to speak is an essential milestone for babies and toddlers. It’s also a task that parents and guardians should prepare for and take seriously from the birth of their child and beyond. Now, kids pick up language skills at their own pace. There’s always a chance that a child will learn to speak sooner or later than their siblings, cousins, or peers.

At the same time, though, it’s still important to keep a close track of their language skills. This is because delays in this area can indicate child development issues, and acknowledging and addressing these challenges as soon as possible can be key to changing a child’s developmental trajectory and improving the outcome for the child, their family, and their community as a whole.

How Can Parents Help Toddlers and Young Children Develop Language Skills?

Teaching your child how to communicate through words is a long-term task for many parents, and lessons should start upon the birth of your infant. While your child might not be able to use their words until after they turn 6 months old, for example, they are capable of understanding your words and connecting what you say to what you mean. Here’s how you can encourage your young babies and toddlers to develop their communication to ensure language acquisition.

Talk to Your Baby Frequently

Talking to your baby frequently will not only strengthen your bond with each other, but the act will also help expose your child to new sounds and words and learn how they are configured in sentences. In addition, it will also help them become more familiar with the world around them. Tell your baby about their surroundings, discuss the details of the clothes they’re wearing, or narrate what you’re doing when you’re around them, for starters.

Name the Objects around You

You can help your child pick up new words by introducing them to the items around them and the things that they use regularly. Introduce them to the feeding bottle every time you feed them so that they can connect it to the feeling of being satiated, for example. You can also do this with people by calling your partner, family members, or friends the names that you want your child to eventually associate with them.

Read Books and Labels Together

Reading to your child is a good practice, and research shows that children whose parents read them books as infants have larger vocabularies compared to their peers. Early on, show your infant how reading can be a fun activity by highlighting the pictures and words in the books that you read together.

Encourage Them to Repeat Words

If your baby is trying to repeat the words that you’re saying, encourage them. If they try to repeat the names of the people they interact with or the items they typically use, such as milk or ball, for example, this means that they’re getting the concept that these things have names. Support their progress and praise them for their efforts.

As soon as you notice an interest in a second language, you should equip them with the tools that will help them thrive. For instance, parents are often looking for the best app for kids to learn Spanish as they grow because they understand the benefits of being bilingual. Others enroll their children in classes to learn a new language or take them on trips that will expose them to different cultures, languages, and accents.

Cultivate Their Interests

What catches your child’s attention lately? If they’re interested in animals, dinosaurs, or trucks, for instance, how about using these items to spark a conversation with them? If you want them to practice speaking, ask them to describe their favorite toy, say what it can and can’t do, and what it might do if it gets in a particular situation.

Introduce Expectant Pauses

A pause that’s meant to give your child time to respond to a question is called an expectant pause, and many children’s shows use it to keep their young viewers engaged with their program. Use expectant pauses in real life as well to further encourage your child to say their mind and be a part of the conversation.

Give Your Child Options

Another way to encourage your child to use their words is by giving them options. Perhaps you can ask them if they’d rather wear clothes of one colour or another after taking a bath, or you can also ask them if they feel like eating a cookie or a cupcake as dessert.

Speak Slowly but Avoid Baby Talk

Allow your child to grasp the proper use of words by avoiding baby talk. Your child will inevitably mispronounce words that are not familiar to them or those that they have yet to practice using in earnest. Leave the baby talk to them, but use and pronounce the words properly so your child can follow your example.

When to Seek the Help of a Child Development Specialist

It’s important to talk to your pediatrician if your child has not yet started to talk by the age of 2, if they have trouble following directions or putting simple sentences together, or if their vocabulary is far smaller than is expected from someone of their age. It’s also a good idea to regularly share updates on your child’s language milestones with their paediatrician. This way, the specialist can address any concerns and questions that you might have about your child’s development and direct you to people who can help you and your child navigate challenges in acquiring verbal skills.

Reading Resources

Discover psychological strategies to encourage language learning in kids.