Maths can seem like one of those subjects some children grasp easily while others constantly struggle. If your child is finding maths hard, it might not be a lack of ability, it could be rooted in underlying factors that can be addressed.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that maths anxiety, the fear or discomfort when faced with numbers, affects children’s ability to learn and recall maths concepts.
At Primary Tutor Project, we support children aged 5–12 in maths and English, helping them grow confidence, understanding and independent problem solving. In this article, we share seven practical strategies you can use at home to help your child overcome maths struggles, strengthen understanding and feel more capable in maths.
Before you jump into more practice or hire a tutor, working out why your child is struggling makes all the difference. Some common causes include:
Maths anxiety causing "mind blanking” during problems ( qub.ac.uk )
Gaps in foundational knowledge (for example, not mastering times tables or place value)
Executive function challenges such as working memory or switching between steps (sheffield.ac.uk )
Home or school environments where maths is not regularly discussed or supported
By deciding what the underlying barrier is, you can tailor support effectively and help your child feel less stuck.
Confidence plays a huge role in how a child approaches maths. If they believe they are not a "maths person”, they may avoid trying, become anxious or give up when stuck. Studies show that children with higher maths anxiety often learn less than peers with the same ability ( qub.ac.uk )
What you can do:
Emphasise effort over innate talent: "You worked hard on it” rather than "You’re just good at maths.”
Model calm maths talk: avoid saying "I was never good at maths.”
When your child answers incorrectly, treat it as a learning step rather than a failure.
Celebrate small wins: mastering times tables or explaining a new concept clearly.
Maths is cumulative. If basic building blocks are shaky, it becomes hard to progress. Building secure foundations in number, place value, times tables and simple operations gives your child the tools to face tougher concepts.
What you can do:
Practise number sense daily: quick mental maths, identifying patterns or estimating.
Use practical contexts such as cooking or shopping to reinforce learning.
Revisit earlier year-group topics to fill knowledge gaps.
Use visual aids and manipulatives such as counters or blocks.
Traditional worksheets may offer practice, but if a child is simply completing them passively, the learning may not stick. Active learning involves doing, discussing and explaining.
What you can do:
Ask your child to teach you a method they have learnt in class.
Play maths games or puzzles such as card games, board games or online challenges.
Encourage your child to explain their reasoning aloud: "Why did you add here?” or "What happens if we change this number?”
Big, complex tasks can overwhelm a child. Maths problems often involve multiple steps, and children may give up if they feel unsure. Breaking down tasks reduces anxiety and builds independence.
What you can do:
Before homework, ask your child to estimate how long the task will take.
Use short work blocks (about 20 minutes) followed by short breaks.
Divide problems into clear steps: understand, plan, solve and check.
Encourage checking after each step rather than waiting until the end.
When maths feels irrelevant, children disengage. Making maths meaningful by linking it to things your child cares about boosts interest and understanding.
What you can do:
Use your child’s interests: football statistics, recipes or nature patterns.
Set real-life problems: "If the train takes 40 minutes each way, how long is the round trip?”
Encourage maths talk during everyday life: "How many minutes until dinner?”
Incorporate digital tools, educational apps or hands-on activities.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a child needs more focused support. A one-to-one tutor can identify knowledge gaps, adapt to your child’s learning pace and build confidence through consistent feedback.
What you can do:
Choose a tutor who is experienced with primary-age children.
Review past topics regularly to reinforce understanding.
Set small, achievable goals with the tutor.
Combine tutoring with daily short home practice.
Understanding why your child struggles with maths is the first step towards change. With patience, consistency and the right support, your child can regain confidence and begin to enjoy learning again. Each small success builds the foundation for a stronger mathematical future.
1. My child is bright but still struggles with maths. Why?
Even bright children can struggle if they have weak foundations, anxiety or lack a supportive environment. It does not mean they cannot succeed; they just need the right kind of help.
2. When should I intervene if maths becomes hard?
The earlier the better. If your child avoids maths or falls behind peers, start seeking support before small gaps become larger ones.
3. What should home maths practice look like?
Short and consistent sessions are best. Ten to fifteen minutes of focused work each day helps more than occasional long sessions.
4. How important is parents’ attitude to maths?
Very important. Research from Loughborough University shows that parents’ maths anxiety can affect their children’s numeracy skills ( Iboro.ac.uk ). Staying calm and positive makes a real difference.
5. How long will it take to see improvement in maths?
Every child is different, but with consistent, quality support, noticeable improvement is often seen within one school term.
