If there’s one subject to be feared at school, it’s usually maths. Maths has a reputation for being hard, yet it is one of the most important subjects we need to learn.
There are many reasons an individual can struggle with maths, some of these being:
- Maths always builds upon previous concepts, so not having a thorough understanding of one principle can have a domino effect.
- Maths requires a lot of repetition and following strict rules and processes. This can be boring for those without a genuine interest.
- Concepts can be learned, but not necessarily understood, which means the student doesn’t know why they are taking each action.
Finding maths hard can be stressful for the student, but can also lead to lower grades and the loss of opportunities. This is why it’s important to be in the know when it comes to your child and be on the lookout for signs that they’re struggling.
Signs Your Child is Struggling With Maths
Maths anxiety
Maths is one of the most common subjects that cause students stress or anxiety. The fear of getting a hard maths question in their homework can take a physical toll on a child, making them feel so ill they struggle to attend the lessons.
Feeling anxious about a particular subject can absolutely be a sign that your child is struggling and needs extra help. Whatever the age of your child, a maths tutor could be the key to reducing their stress.
If you’re worried that your child is exhibiting signs of anxiety, you can check out our parents’ guide for advice on what to do next.
“I hate maths!”
Why is maths so hard? I hate maths. Maths is the worst subject!
If you have heard these words come out of your child’s mouth before, it could be a sign that they’re struggling.
The underlying cause of your child hating maths so much can be a simple one – they find it too difficult. It’s not that uncommon for a child to hate maths – it is often perceived as a boring and tough subject, but if you don’t tackle this hatred, it could lead to them not achieving the grades they need.
Whilst having a least favourite subject isn’t usually something to be concerned about, if they’re regularly voicing their dislike for maths, it could be time to speak to them to find out why.
Trouble applying math concepts to real-world problems
Simple maths is used all day every day. From working out how many days until their birthday, to counting change in a shop, if your child seems to be shying away from making these kinds of simple calculations, it could mean they are struggling with maths at school.
The sooner you address this problem, the better, as a foundational knowledge of maths is essential in everyday life. If you worry your child lacks basic maths skills, it could be time to consider enlisting the help of a trusted tutor.
Poor time management
If your child struggles to stick to curfew or rarely makes it downstairs in time for their dinner, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re being defiant. It could be that they struggle with time management, which is one of the signs of having difficulty with numbers.
This is definitely a situation that needs to be nipped in the bud, so ensure you speak to your child about their time management and understand what is causing it.
Trouble with mental maths
Is your 15 year old still counting on their fingers? Whilst this can be easy to poke fun at and make a joke about, when exam results are on the line it could be that this needs to be investigated further.
It could be that they just need a confidence boost – they can do the maths in their head but are unsure of themselves so need the reassurance of counting out loud.
Tuition doesn’t just help a student grow their knowledge. It can help them believe in themselves and reinstill their confidence. We have tutors who have proven records of helping children overcome problems with maths, so it’s worth checking them out.
They give up easily
When you’re finding something difficult, it can often be tempting to give up, admit defeat, and move onto something you’re better at.
The same is true for subjects at school, especially notoriously tricky ones like maths.
If your child never gives you a straight answer when you asked if they’ve done their maths homework, it could be that they threw in the towel. You need to ensure that you offer them support and encourage them to keep trying. If they need extra help then you can always consider the help of an experienced tutor.
Lower grades in maths
Some students can be gifted academically, but meet their downfall in the world of mathematics. This isn’t uncommon and doesn’t have to be something to worry about – after all, we can’t all be good at everything!
However, if your child has their heart set on a career or university course that requires a certain grade in maths, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Getting extra support throughout school is much better than panicked cramming session on the weeks leading up to exams.
Here’s 3 things you can do to help today:
Talk to your child’s school
Talking to your child’s teacher should always be your first point of call. They will be able to give you a better insight as to how your child is doing. There may also be resources they can direct you to, such as websites or even after school clubs.
Communicate with your child
An honest conversation where your child can discuss their concerns with you might help alleviate some of their stress. As a parent you need to reassure them that you will do what you can to help them, and having problems with maths isn’t something to be ashamed of.
Enlist the help of a tutor
In a class of 30, it’s impossible for a tutor to ensure that every student has a thorough understanding of a topic before moving on. The number one benefit of a 1:1 tutor is that they can focus purely on the areas that your child needs extra help with, and walk them through it in a learning style tailored to them. A tutor could be the key to turning around any problems your child has with maths, so this is definitely an option you should consider.
