Have you ever watched your child struggle with their maths homework and thought, “It would be so much easier if I just did it for them”? You’re not alone. As parents, we all want to help especially when we see our children getting frustrated. But sometimes without meaning to we can actually make maths even harder for them.
We have shared tips on how to boost your child’s maths skills, how to help your child if they are struggling in maths and 4 simple and engaging ways to practise maths with your child every day. But what if without realising it you are making it even more difficult for them?
Mistakes Parents Make With Maths Homework and What to Do Instead
Jumping in Too Quickly
It is so tempting to step in the moment they get stuck but allowing them time to figure things out helps them develop problem solving skills. Instead of giving them the answer try asking questions like “What do you think the first step is?” or “Can you explain your thinking so far?” This encourages independence and builds confidence.
Showing a Different Method
The way we learned maths in school is often different from how it is taught today. Teaching them another way can confuse them and make things more difficult. Instead ask them to explain how they have been taught in class. This not only helps them reinforce their learning but also gives you a better idea of how to support them in the best way.
Rushing Through Homework
Trying to get homework done as quickly as possible can make maths feel stressful and overwhelming. Encourage your child to take their time and focus on understanding the process rather than just finishing fast. Maths is all about understanding patterns and solving problems step by step.
Saying You Were Never Good at Maths
You might think saying this makes your child feel better but it can actually make them believe that some people just cannot do maths. Instead show them that maths is a skill that improves with practice. Try saying something like “Maths can be tricky but with practice it gets easier.”
Give Your Child the Right Support
At Primary Tutor Project we believe every child can grow in maths with the right support. Maths is not about being born with a special talent. It is about building confidence, recognising patterns and finding the best way to learn. With patience and the right guidance your child can go from feeling stuck to feeling unstoppable.
If your child needs extra support we are here to help. Click here to find out more about our confidence boosting maths tuition. We empower children aged 5-12 to excel in English and Maths with exceptional UK-qualified teachers online.
