Understanding Maths Anxiety: Causes and Solutions

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Maths can spark curiosity and confidence—or, for some children, it can trigger worry, confusion, and even fear. If your child or pupil dreads numbers, avoids maths homework, or freezes during tests, they may be experiencing maths anxiety. The good news is that with understanding and the right strategies, we can help children turn anxiety into achievement. 

Whether you’re a teacher guiding a class or a parent supporting your child at home, this guide will help you recognise the signs of maths anxiety, understand where it comes from, and learn how to help children feel more confident in their maths journey. 

🌱 What Is Maths Anxiety? 

Maths anxiety is a negative emotional reaction to mathematics that can interfere with a person’s ability to learn and perform well in maths tasks. It’s more than just disliking the subject; it’s a genuine psychological response that can cause distress, avoidance, and poor performance. 

🔍 What Causes Maths Anxiety? 

Maths anxiety doesn’t appear out of nowhere; it’s often rooted in a combination of experiences and external influences. Here are some common causes: 

  • Negative experiences: Struggling with difficult maths topics or receiving harsh feedback can create lasting fear. 
  • Pressure to perform: Timed tests, high expectations, and comparisons with peers can increase stress. 
  • Influence from adults: If a parent or teacher expresses anxiety about maths, children may absorb the message that maths is “scary” or “not for them.” 
  • Stereotypes: Cultural messages that “boys are better at maths” can damage the confidence of girls and non-traditional learners. 
  • Lack of understanding: When concepts are taught too quickly or abstractly, children may feel lost and disengaged. 

⚠️ Signs and Symptoms to Watch For 

Identifying maths anxiety early can prevent it from becoming a long-term issue. Look out for: 

Emotional Signs: 

  • Tears, frustration, or outbursts during maths homework 
  • Low confidence in maths despite good performance in other subjects 

Physical Signs:

  • Stomach aches, sweating, or rapid heartbeat before a test 
  • Complaints of illness to avoid school on maths test days 

Behavioural Signs:

  • Avoidance of maths tasks 
  • Giving up quickly or refusing to try 
  • Frequently saying “I can’t do it” or “I’m just bad at maths” 

🎯 The Impact of Maths Anxiety 

Maths anxiety doesn’t just affect feelings; it can lower actual performance. Anxiety can: 

  • Disrupt working memory, making it harder to solve problems 
  • Cause avoidance, leading to missed learning opportunities 
  • Undermine confidence, creating a cycle of underachievement and fear 

Over time, it can affect self-esteem and even limit future career choices that involve maths. 

💡 How Teachers Can Help 

Teachers play a vital role in creating a maths-positive environment. Here’s how: 

  1. Model a Growth Mindset: 
  • Use phrases like “You don’t get it yet” or “Mistakes help us learn.” 
  • Praise effort, not just correct answers. 
  1. Make Maths Visual and Hands-On: 
  • Use concrete resources like counters, blocks, and fraction strips. 
  • Gradually move to pictorial and abstract representations. 
  1. Create a Safe Space for Mistakes: 
  • Celebrate errors as part of the learning process. 
  • Avoid time pressures during learning activities. 
  1. Use Calm and Encouraging Language: 
  • Avoid phrases like “This is easy,” as they may feel shaming to struggling learners. 
  • Use supportive prompts like “What do you notice?” or “Can you explain your thinking?” 
  1. Be Mindful of Assessment Pressure: 
  • Offer low-stakes quizzes and opportunities for self-assessment. 
  • Teach test techniques explicitly and practise them often. 

🏠 How Parents Can Help at Home 

Parents are a child’s first teachers, and your support can make a huge difference. 

  1. Stay Positive About Maths: 
  • Avoid saying “I was never good at maths”—your child might internalise that message. 
  • Show interest in their learning, even if you’re not confident with the material. 
  1. Make Maths Part of Everyday Life: 
  • Involve your child in cooking, shopping, or measuring projects. 
  • Play maths games that are enjoyable and pressure-free (e.g., card games, puzzles, board games). 
  1. Practice Little and Often: 
  • Short, regular maths practice is more effective than cramming. 
  • Use online resources or printable activities tailored to your child’s level. 
  1. Talk About Feelings: 
  • Ask your child how they feel about maths and listen without judgement. 
  • Teach calming strategies like deep breathing or positive self-talk before maths tasks. 

✅ Final Thoughts 

Maths anxiety is real, but it’s also reversible. With patience, empathy, and the right techniques, children can grow in confidence, improve their performance, and even come to enjoy maths. Every small step you take as a teacher or parent can help a child rewrite their maths story—from fear to flourishing. 

📚 Want to Learn More? 

Follow @ThePrimaryMathsCoach on TikTok and Instagram or like on Facebook for practical tips, fun videos, and strategies to build maths confidence. You can also visit our resources here at The Primary Maths Coach.

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