Maths Anxiety in Children: How Parents Can Help

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Maths anxiety is more common in children than many parents realise. For some children, maths can trigger feelings of worry, frustration or even panic. They may say, “I’m just rubbish at maths,” avoid homework, become upset when faced with a maths question, or suddenly seem to forget things they previously understood.

The good news is that maths anxiety can be reduced, and parents can play an important role in helping children develop a more positive relationship with numbers.

What is maths anxiety?

Maths anxiety is a feeling of stress or worry when a child is faced with maths. It isn’t the same as simply finding maths difficult. A child may understand a concept but become so anxious that they struggle to remember what they know.

This can create a frustrating cycle:

Maths feels difficult → child becomes anxious → confidence decreases → child avoids maths → skills don’t develop → maths feels even more difficult.

Breaking this cycle starts with building confidence and helping children understand that making mistakes is a normal part of learning.

What can cause maths anxiety?

There isn’t one single cause. Maths anxiety can develop for a variety of reasons, including:

· Previous experiences of struggling with maths

· Fear of getting answers wrong

· Comparing themselves with classmates or siblings

· Feeling pressured to work quickly

· Finding certain maths concepts particularly challenging

· Negative comments about maths from adults or peers

· A lack of confidence following repeated difficulties

· Feeling that everyone else is “better at maths”

Timed tests and a strong emphasis on speed can also make some children particularly anxious. It’s important to remember that being slow does not mean being bad at maths.

How can parents help?

1. Watch the language you use around maths

Children often pick up on adults’ attitudes. Saying things such as, “I was never any good at maths either,” may seem harmless, but it can unintentionally reinforce the idea that maths ability is something you’re either born with or without.

Instead, try phrases such as:

“Maths can be tricky, but we can work it out together.”

“You don’t know it yet – let’s have another go.”

“Making mistakes helps your brain learn.”

2. Focus on effort, not just the answer

Rather than celebrating only correct answers, praise the process.

Try:

· “I like how you worked that out.”

· “You kept going even when it was difficult.”

· “That’s a really good strategy.”

· “You spotted your mistake and corrected it.”

This helps children develop a growth mindset – the belief that their mathematical skills can improve with practice.

3. Take away the pressure to be quick

Some children become anxious because they believe they need to answer immediately.

Give them time to think. Encourage them to explain their method and remind them that mathematicians don’t always work quickly.

Accuracy, understanding and reasoning are more important than speed.

4. Make maths part of everyday life

Maths doesn’t have to mean sitting at a desk with a worksheet.

Try using maths naturally when you’re:

· Cooking – weighing and measuring ingredients

· Shopping – comparing prices and calculating change

· Travelling – working out journey times

· Gardening – measuring lengths and areas

· Playing board games – counting and calculating scores

· Planning a day out – looking at timetables

· Sharing food – exploring fractions

Everyday activities can help children see that maths is useful, meaningful and all around them.

5. Make mistakes feel safe

If a child gets an answer wrong, try not to immediately say, “No, that’s wrong.”

Instead ask:

“Tell me how you worked it out.”

This gives you an opportunity to understand their thinking and helps the child see that an incorrect answer isn’t a failure – it’s information that can help them learn.

6. Break problems into smaller steps

A page full of maths questions can feel overwhelming.

If your child is becoming anxious, cover up some of the questions and focus on just one.

Ask:

“What’s the first thing we need to work out?”

Once they’ve completed one step, move on to the next. Small successes can quickly rebuild confidence.

7. Use games

Games can make maths feel much less threatening.

Dice games, card games, puzzles, dominoes, board games and simple mental maths challenges can all develop mathematical skills without feeling like formal learning.

The aim isn’t always to practise a particular skill. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is simply help your child enjoy using numbers.

8. Listen to your child

If your child says, “I hate maths,” try to find out what is behind the statement.

Ask:

“What is it about maths that makes you feel worried?”

They may be struggling with a particular topic, worried about making mistakes, or comparing themselves with other children.

Understanding the cause makes it much easier to provide the right support.

Remember: confidence comes first!

A child who believes they are “bad at maths” may stop trying before they have even started.

Building confidence doesn’t mean avoiding challenging maths. It means giving children the support, time and encouragement they need to tackle challenges without feeling overwhelmed.

Celebrate the small wins. Encourage questions. Allow mistakes. Take away unnecessary pressure.

Most importantly, help your child understand that struggling with something today doesn’t mean they won’t be able to do it tomorrow.

With patience, positive encouragement and the right support, children can develop both their mathematical skills and their confidence – and perhaps even discover that maths isn’t quite as scary as they thought!