HOW TO OVERCOME MATHS ANXIETY

Fear around maths is areal issue for some students. How can parents help their children move past these feelings and get the grades they're capable of

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For many children, maths can feel like a mountain they’re unable to climb. Maths anxiety is more common than you might think, and it can cause kids to feel frustrated, overwhelmed or even afraid of the subject. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can help your son or daughter replace those feelings of fear with confidence and a can-do attitude.

WHAT IS MATHS ANXIETY?

Maths anxiety goes beyond simply disliking maths. It’s a genuine emotional reaction that can cause stress, avoidance and even physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches when faced with mathematical tasks. Often, it stems from a fear of failure or the belief that they’re “just not good at maths.”

Studies have indicated that maths anxiety and performance can influence one another in a vicious cycle. Research is unclear whether performance triggers anxiety or the other way around. It seems likely to be a combination of both experiences negatively reinforcing each other.

The key to helping kids overcome this is to create a supportive environment where they feel encouraged to learn without the pressure of perfection.

NORMALISE STRUGGLES

The first step in supporting your child is acknowledging that it’s okay to find maths challenging. Share stories about times you struggled with maths - or any other subject - and how you worked through it. This lets your son or daughter know they’re not alone and that struggles are a natural part of learning.