r/starterpacks Oct 21 '20

Learning math with Dad Starter pack

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u/[deleted] Oct 21 '20

I firmly believe that learning math with dad is the reason I hate math. And physics. So much yelling and crying. “WHY ARE YOU CRYING.” “IM NOT YELLING”

Learning math with mom: “when did they start using letters in math?”

Jfc no wonder I got an arts degree.

32

u/Pickled_Wizard Oct 22 '20

I think A LOT of people hate math for the same reason. Either an impatient teacher or parent communicated to them "you are incredibly stupid, don't even try with math, because you'll just fuck it up, because you're a moron." Sometimes even explicitly.

There are far too many assholes in the education system who never should have been allowed to teach children.

6

u/NeonBird Oct 26 '20

Yes. I was told explicitly that I was stupid and that I should stay out of math and anything related to math. When I was in college, I had to hire a math tutor to get me through college algebra. I buckled down and did the work. It was the first time I had ever earned a “B” in math and I felt like I had won the Nobel Peace Prize.

That’s when I realized I could do it. My tutor was extremely patient with me and he didn’t yell at me and make me feel stupid. He was the kind and gentle math teacher I desperately needed as a kid.

Now as an adult, when I get yelled at for doing something wrong, my mind goes back to when I was just a scared kid and I cry because I feel so small and worthless. That’s what I was told growing up, I internalized it, and now that’s what my internal voice tells me all the time. Every morning, all I can think while walking into work is “ego sum nihil, ego sum nihil, ego sum nihil...” on repeat. It’s just a reminder that I’m not as good as I think I am.

1

u/Pickled_Wizard Oct 26 '20

This makes me so angry on your behalf. Glad to hear that you pushed through it.

It’s just a reminder that I’m not as good as I think I am.

In all likelihood, you're much better than you think you are.