Mathematics Isn’t About Speed
Ever stared at a math problem and thought, “This is taking me forever. I must be bad at this”?
Not true.
Here’s Math Myth #2: “If I Don’t Get It Fast, I’ll Never Get It”
I remember the first time I failed math, it was all because of algebra. Moving from numbers to letters completely threw me off. I just couldn’t see how it made sense. But here’s what changed everything: my mum never gave up on me. Even when I felt like I’d never get it, she kept encouraging me to try again. Thanks to her patience, because now, even if you wake me up from the deepest sleep, I can still solve an algebra problem with confidence.
That experience taught me something important: speed is not the same as intelligence. Some of the sharpest problem-solvers take their time. They slow down, check details, and avoid mistakes. It’s like driving. Racing doesn’t always get you to your destination faster; sometimes it just gets you lost sooner.
So if you or your child are struggling with a topic, don’t panic. Be patient. Try extra lessons, explain concepts using real-life examples, or watch videos to see the topic from a new angle. Above all, keep practicing.
Because here’s the truth: if it takes you 10 minutes to understand something, you’ve still learned it. That knowledge stays with you forever. Struggling isn’t failure; it’s just part of learning.
Affirmation: Even if I don’t understand it right now, I will get it. I take steady and slow steps, and every step moves me closer to mastering math.