Helping your child overcome maths anxiety: a guide for parents
Maths anxiety is a common issue that can negatively impact a child’s confidence, academic performance, and overall attitude towards mathematics. This anxiety often stems from negative experiences, pressure to achieve high grades, or fear of making mistakes. However, with the right support, parents can help their children build a more positive relationship with maths. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of maths anxiety, its impact on children, and practical ways parents can help overcome it.
What is maths anxiety?
Maths anxiety is an intense fear or worry about engaging with mathematical tasks. It often manifests as:
Avoidance of maths-related activities
Nervousness or panic before tests
Difficulty concentrating when solving maths problems
Physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweaty palms
Maths anxiety doesn’t reflect a child’s true ability or potential. Instead, it’s a psychological barrier that can be overcome with the right mindset and support.
Causes of maths anxiety
Several factors can contribute to a child’s anxiety about maths:
Negative experiences: Struggling with a problem in front of peers or receiving harsh criticism can lead to embarrassment and fear.
Pressure to perform: High expectations from teachers or parents may increase stress.
Fixed mindset: Believing that maths ability is innate (e.g., “I’m just not good at maths”) can make children feel helpless.
Time pressure: Timed tests or fast-paced lessons can make children feel overwhelmed.
Lack of understanding: Missing foundational concepts can make it harder to grasp new material, leading to frustration.
How maths anxiety affects children
Maths anxiety can have a ripple effect on a child’s academic and personal life. It may lead to:
Lower self-esteem and reduced confidence
Avoidance of subjects or activities involving maths
Decline in overall academic performance
Increased tension in the home if homework becomes a battleground
However, with consistent support, children can develop the skills and resilience needed to overcome their anxiety and thrive in maths.
How parents can support their child
1. Normalise mistakes as part of learning
Many children fear making mistakes because they believe it reflects their intelligence. Teach your child that mistakes are an essential part of learning. Share examples from your own experiences to demonstrate that trial and error is normal in problem-solving.
Tip: Praise your child for effort, perseverance, and creative thinking, not just for getting the “right” answer.
2. Foster a growth mindset
A growth mindset encourages children to view challenges as opportunities to improve. Emphasise that maths ability isn’t fixed but can grow with practice and effort. Replace negative self-talk (e.g., “I’m bad at maths”) with positive affirmations (e.g., “I can get better with practice”).
Activity: Create a “Maths Growth Chart” where your child can track improvements over time, celebrating progress rather than perfection.
3. Make maths fun and relatable
Maths doesn’t have to be confined to textbooks. Incorporate maths into everyday activities to make it more engaging and relevant:
Cooking: Use recipes to teach fractions and measurements.
Shopping: Discuss prices, discounts, and budgets.
Games: Play board games or apps that involve strategy and number skills.
When maths is seen as part of daily life, it becomes less intimidating and more accessible.
4. Provide a safe space for questions
Create an environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment. If they’re struggling with a concept, take the time to work through it together. If you’re unsure of the solution, collaborate to find answers online or consult a teacher or maths coach.
Tip: Avoid saying things like “It’s easy” or “You should know this.” Instead, offer encouragement and patience as your child works through the problem.
5. Help manage test anxiety
Many children experience heightened anxiety before maths tests. Help your child prepare by breaking study sessions into manageable chunks and practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Encourage them to approach tests with confidence by focusing on what they know rather than fixating on what they don’t.
6. Seek professional support if needed
If maths anxiety persists despite your best efforts, consider seeking help from a maths coach. They can provide tailored support, build foundational skills, and offer strategies to reduce anxiety in a supportive, one-on-one environment.
Conclusion
Maths anxiety can be a significant barrier for children, but it is not insurmountable. By fostering a supportive environment, promoting a growth mindset, and integrating maths into everyday life, parents can help their children develop the confidence and resilience they need to succeed. Whether your child is struggling with simple concepts or complex problems, remember that patience, encouragement, and empathy are key to transforming anxiety into achievement.
If your child is experiencing maths anxiety and you’d like additional support, consider exploring coaching options tailored to their unique needs. Together, we can help them build the confidence they need to thrive in mathematics.
