Helping Kids Overcome Math Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide
- Magdalyne Kanjejo
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Does your child get nervous when faced with math problems? Do they say things like "I’m not a math person" or "I’m bad at math"? If so, they might be experiencing math anxiety, a common fear or nervousness around math tasks. The good news? With the right approach, parents can help kids build confidence and even learn to love math!
Demystifying Math Anxiety
Math anxiety isn’t about ability, it’s about mindset. Many kids (and even adults!) feel stressed when solving math problems because they fear mistakes or believe they’re "just not good at it." But math isn’t an innate talent; it’s a skill that improves with practice and encouragement.
How to Help:
Normalize the struggle – Let your child know that everyone finds math challenging at times.
Encourage a growth mindset – Instead of saying, "I’m bad at math," teach them to say, "I’m still learning!"
Make math fun – Turn problems into games, stories, or real-world challenges.
Math Is Everywhere You Look
One way to ease math anxiety is to show kids how math is part of their daily lives. When they see math as useful (and even fun!), it becomes less intimidating.
Real-World Math Moments:
Building & Creating – Counting blocks, measuring heights, or designing structures.
Cooking & Baking – Measuring ingredients, doubling recipes, or dividing portions.
Shopping & Money – Calculating change, comparing prices, or budgeting allowance.
Time & Schedules – Reading clocks, planning routines, or counting down to events.
By pointing out these everyday math moments, kids start to see it as a helpful tool—not just a scary school subject.
Don’t Fear Mistakes, Embrace Them
Mistakes are a natural part of learning! Instead of fearing errors, kids should see them as stepping stones to understanding.
How to Reframe Mistakes:
Compare math to puzzles – Wrong pieces happen, but you adjust and try again.
Think like a video game – Every mistake is a chance to "level up" skills.
Celebrate effort, not just answers – Praise persistence, not just correctness.
Supa Math with Super Sema!
If your child needs a little extra math inspiration, check out the Super Sema episode "Supa Math"!
In the episode Aziza is struggling with her math assignment until Sema and MB come to the rescue by creating an exciting game to help her practice. But when the villainous A.I. robot Tobor hijacks the game and turns it into a ruthless competition, the stakes get higher! Can Sema and her friends outsmart Tobor and help Aziza see that math can be thrilling?
This episode is a great way to show kids that math isn’t about stress, it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork!
Final Tips for Parents
Stay positive – Your attitude toward math influences your child’s.
Use games & stories – Make learning interactive and engaging.
Encourage questions – Let them explore why math works the way it does.
Be patient – Progress takes time, and every small win counts!
By fostering a supportive and playful approach to math, you can help your child overcome anxiety and discover the joy in numbers. Who knows, they might even start calling themselves a "math person" after all!
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