What If Your Child Doesn’t Hate Maths – They Just Fear It?

How to help your child overcome maths anxiety

Have you ever asked your child how they truly feel about learning Maths?
For many young people, reluctance towards the subject is not about dislike—it is rooted in anxiety, often shaped by past experiences and a fear of failure.

According to the charity National Numeracy, more than a third of UK adults feel anxious about doing Maths. This unease can easily pass from one generation to the next, reinforced by the perception that Maths is purely objective and leaves no room for mistakes.

A Student’s Journey: From “I Hate Maths” to “Maybe I Can”

At the start of each school year, I invite my students to be completely honest about how they feel towards Maths.
One student once told me, quite firmly, that they hated Maths and simply could not do it. The emotional barrier was clear.

We set a simple long-term goal: by the end of the year, they would no longer hate the subject. From there, we broke it down into smaller, achievable steps. The most important tool on this journey? Effective communication.

Key Strategies That Made a Difference

Here’s how we worked together to change their perspective:

• Creating a safe, non-judgemental environment where they felt free to express feelings without fear.
• Encouraging feedback after each activity—was it too hard, too easy, or just right?
• Promoting ownership by letting the student share their preferred learning methods.
• Celebrating small wins, recognising every step forward.
• Reframing mistakes as vital learning opportunities.
• Being available for support, so they didn’t rely solely on technology for answers.
• Addressing missed habits by exploring the reasons and making plans to stay on track.

By the end of the year, they no longer hated Maths. They might not love it yet—but removing that initial barrier was a huge step forward.

Why This Matters for Parents

Every child is different, and there’s no single formula for overcoming Maths anxiety. However, one truth holds: empathy, structure, and consistent communication can transform a student’s experience.

By starting open, non-judgemental conversations at home, you can help your child view learning as an empowering challenge rather than a source of stress.

How School Beyond Limitations Can Help

At School Beyond Limitations, we understand that breaking through mental blocks requires more than just academic instruction. Our holistic approach combines emotional support with tailored learning strategies, helping teenagers reconnect with their education in a safe, personalised, and encouraging environment.

This means they can grow not just in Maths, but in all areas of their academic and personal development.

Take the First Step Today

Why not start by asking your child how they really feel about learning Maths—and truly listening to their answer?
Together, we can help them take the first step towards a more positive and confident relationship with learning.

👉 Book your free introductory call today and discover how we can support your child’s growth—both emotionally and academically.