Children need to see mathematics as an enjoyable subject - something that is relevant to everyday life. It is important that they are encouraged to see the mathematics around them. Remember that mathematics is more than just number work - it also covers topics such as shapes, patterns, collecting information and measures. Parents are in an ideal position to stimulate the curiosity of their children. Playing and talking to them about their world really helps.
Mathematical language needs to be used accurately.
Many words used in everyday language are not usually used in mathematics or have a different meaning. For example, add, sum, and plus all mean the same, a rhombus is more commonly known as a diamond, the mean is a type of average, similar shapes are enlargements of each other - not just alike. It is important that we listen carefully to children to discover what understanding they have of the language that is being used. Children can pick up on the negative attitudes of others towards mathematics and use this as an excuse to underachieve. We must be careful not to say such things as 'Don't ask me, I could never do maths'.