Family Math as an Antidote to Math Anxiety

Summary

This article uses math anxiety research to examine how family math (defined as everyday, joyful, relationship-based math activities) can help counter the widespread apprehension many people feel toward mathematics. Long-term goals of this work include shifting cultural narratives around math from fear toward joy and shared meaning. It also provides concrete practices for family members and educators, such as noticing everyday math and playing card and dice games, aimed at building children’s math confidence and achievement regardless of family income or education level.