If you've ever said that to yourself then don't worry - you're not alone.

Many people believe themselves to be math phobic or "numerically challenged". However fact is they are probably not hopeless at all...

Most likely they had an unfortunate incident in their past. Perhaps they missed some crucial lessons in school and never caught up. Or maybe they suffered a humiliating experience in math class.

Whatever reasons, math 'difficulties' can be overcome with a little determination and by looking at subject in a different way.

Here are 5 ways to get over your numbers 'block' and start turning figures into friends:

1 - Give Them A Chance!

Begin to look carefully at figures instead of just 'switching off' when they come into view.

Next time you get a receipt at restaurant or for goods you've bought, take a good look at it. There may be some numbers that don't mean anything but others will make sense.

So as a first step: don't ignore numbers. They can give you a lot of useful information if you'll just give yourself a chance to absorb what they are saying.

2 - Don't Lose Them, Use Them!

Begin to use numbers more in your daily life.

- Start checking your change in shop

- Check your bills too.

- Study your bank statement carefully

If you get confused, don't worry, it happens to everyone. (Some bills seem to be designed to confuse!)

Australian parents currently rate achieving work-family balance as their greatest parenting challenge. Currently, 71% of Australian parents say they have difficulty finding time to do things they enjoy with their children.

So what are key relationship-builders to focus on when you are busy and life is full on?

A number of different studies show children and young people want three types of interactions with their parents:

Family rituals such as reading to children in bed, shared mealtimes and celebrations. Some activities may come and go but rituals by definition are cut in stone. One-on-one interactions are vital for relationship building. Whether it is playing a game with a child or having a coffee with a teenager make sure you regularly spend some time with each of your children on their own. This goes double for middle children or those having difficulties in their lives. Down-time so that spontaneous and fun interactions can occur. Family holidays and lazy Sundays provide opportunities to connect on an informal basis with children. This is particularly important for fathers who tend to communicate best when having some shared fun with their son or daughter. The challenge for busy people is to carve out some time for these important relationship-building opportunities. Those people who can successfully balance two spheres of work and family use similar skills at home to those they use at work such as prioritising, delegating and planning ahead. Make family activities a priority and plan around them rather than fitting them in at end of day or week when you are tired. It also helps if you get support from home and also have some support and recognition at work that you have a family at home that needs your energy and attention. www.parentingideas.com.au