Problems with maths are not uncommon. Maths can be a challenge for the best of us. But for our children, it’s very much a cumulative subject. This means that our understanding increases year after year. If you’re one of the many parents who have a child who has problems with maths, then it might be comforting to know that you are not alone.

The most common reason children complain about the struggles of maths is that it is too difficult, or they are not smart enough. This could not be further from the truth and it’s important that both you and your child understand this. This mistaken belief could have serious consequences on your child’s lifelong relationship with numbers and problem-solving abilities.

That’s why it’s important to identify which parts they struggle with. What makes sense to some children might not to others. As teachers use a standard method, many children don’t understand and are ‘left behind’. On the other hand, keep in mind that this problem is not just limited to a child struggling with maths. It can sometimes be an undiagnosed learning difficulty.

Why do some children experience problems with maths?

There can be several reasons why some pupils find it hard to understand maths. Even if they do understand the concept of maths, children still feel anxious about ‘doing’ maths. The idea of just learning maths can be stressful. Both parents and teachers need to understand that all children are not the same, just like we as adults are not the same. Children learn at different paces; some will excel at maths and some may take a bit more time.

Additionally, some children will experience learning and thinking differences. This is what is called dyscalculia, this is a learning difficulty that affects a pupil’s ability to understand and do maths. Children with dyscalculia, usually have difficulty understanding numbers, symbols, and related concepts that they need to succeed in math.

In every class, several pupils struggle with at least a mild form of dyscalculia, this, as a result, affects their maths potential. This is why it is important to identify signs that your child is struggling with maths.

How can I tell if my child struggles with maths?

Identifying the signs that your child is struggling with maths is important to help understand and make plans accordingly. These are some of the common signs that your child is struggling with maths:

– Negative comments
– Getting stressed or frustrated
– Low grades in maths but higher grades in other subjects
– Trouble connecting maths families i.e. 4+5=9 or 5+4=9
– Difficulty managing time
– Difficulty applying maths to real-world contexts.

Does maths anxiety lead to experiencing problems with maths?

As previously pointed out, some pupils even when they do understand maths suffer from anxiety of carrying out maths problems. There is this feeling of tension and anxiety that goes through your child’s head with solving mathematical problems

In the midst of hardship, it’s easy to feel as though we’re the only ones going through a certain problem. For parents of a child struggling with math, it’s no different. And while it is alarming, we hope parents everywhere find comfort in knowing their child is not the only one who may experience anxiety when it comes to math.

In 2019, a BPS study had found that one-third of children aged four to six felt anxious about their maths ability. There are some symptoms you can look out for if you feel your child is suffering from math anxiety.

• Avoidance
• Low achievement
• The negative reaction of their ability
• Intense emotional reactions

If this is not tackled head-on the children will struggle with this throughout both their childhood and adulthood

Could problems with maths be a sign of learning difficulties?

There are several learning difficulties that are associated with learning maths including the most common dyscalculia or what may be also called maths dyslexia. This actually affects 1 in 20 children in the UK. It is much more common than you think. Understanding if your child suffers from this can help you in the long run

• Mistaking a number – e.g. 6 as 9
• Difficulty counting backwards
• Weak mental arithmetic skills
• Having problems with understanding the relationship between numbers and connecting numbers to objects
• High levels of Maths anxiety
• Telling the time

This learning difficulty as common as it is is not really heard off. This is because there are not enough resources to introduce the help that is needed for these students at schools.

However, if your child is currently affected by that, we would highly recommend talking about this with your child’s teachers. This advice is also relevant to really find out what areas your child is struggling with. Your child’s teacher is the best person to actually give you detailed insights and help do a full diagnostic assessment of your child’s knowledge.

What can I do if my child has problems with maths?

Your role as a parent is important in helping your child to succeed, giving them the confidence and help is crucial at this point. However, as previously pointed out the first step in helping your child is looking out for the signs. This will help you identify any problems your child may be experiencing. There are also further points that can help your child.

Making Maths fun

This may change the child’s perspective of maths completely, as said before not each child is the same. Hence, each child may react to different methods in different ways. Traditional sitting down and doing maths problems can be overwhelming for some.

You can try and change this by introducing maths games, there are plenty of free online games to help. You have worksheets that can also help. You can also be creative with objects at home.

Hint: Children learn more through games

Practice makes perfect!

Children respond well when parents are more involved with their education. Sitting down with them after school and helping them with a bit of maths practise every other night can help them more than you think

This will help your child to keep the maths knowledge fresh in their head. However, if they don’t feel up to it. Do not enforce it.

Activities

You can use maths in almost every activity, even as simple as something like baking. Let the child take control of the recipe, this will help them develop the skills without realising. This can even be done when you are grocery shopping

Get a tutor

This can be also an incentive as well, some children generally do need that extra bit of help, providing them with a tutor may help them in the long run.

Please note that if your child has a learning difficulty this will need to be professionally assessed. Please talk to your child’s teacher before taking any further steps.

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