A got a serious kick out of solving math equations and word problems. When I got the result was very satisfying. It was like a game. Maybe it was part of growing up poor and not having enough for fancy toys (paper and pencils were nice and cheap). I also liked to take apart and build things. Eventually by 13 I knew I was going to like programming. Computers were fascinating and we saved for year and I got an 8bit ZX Spectrum knock-off. It was the best thing in the wold. So for me it is very strange that kids wouldn't like math. I guess I was a weirdo growing up...