Why is Math Important?

When your child is struggling with math, it might be tempting to tell yourself that math isn't that important.

Nothing is further from the truth!  Here are 3 big reasons why everyone needs math.

 1) Career Opportunities and Life Time Earning Potential

Most careers that pay well require at least some proficiency with math.

The biggest opportunities today (and in the future) are in the STEM sector: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

These all require higher education along with advanced math skills. Without the basics in place, students cannot obtain the necessary degrees to get these jobs.

Even if your child would prefer a job working with their hands - math is also needed for trades.

There is a huge gap in earning potential between "jobs that require math" and those that don't.

 2) Life Skills and Problem Solving

Math isn't only applicable to education and work. It's required in daily life:

• Managing money: making budgets, paying bills, deciding on investments

• Cooking: measuring and being able to double or halve a recipe

• Home maintenance: calculating the amount of soil or carpet or paint needed

• Shopping: comparing prices, calculating taxes

Math also teaches students how to solve problems in a logical fashion - a skill that is needed everywhere.

 3) Confidence and Self-esteem

Students struggle with math for many reasons:

• Interruptions due to changing schools

• Extended absences - resulting in falling behind

• Ineffective teaching - or a mismatch of teaching styles

Failures in math can lead to dislike or disinterest in the subject - and an untrue belief that "I can't do math."

Math is a skill that anyone can learn!