Maths can be a subject that many children find challenging, but with the right support and encouragement, they can develop confidence and even enjoy it. Whether your child is just starting to learn basic numbers or tackling more complex topics, there are lots of ways to make maths less intimidating and more rewarding. Here are our top tips to help your child build strong mathematical skills both at school and at home, inspired by the practices of this prep school in London.
1. Make Maths Part of Everyday Life
Maths is all around us, and helping your child see it in everyday situations can make it more relatable. Encourage them to spot patterns, count items at the supermarket, measure ingredients while cooking, or tell the time. Simple activities like these show children how maths is used in real life and make learning feel natural rather than forced.
If you’re shopping together, ask them to estimate the total cost or work out how much change you’ll receive. When baking, get them to measure flour or divide a recipe in half. These hands-on examples help children see that maths is not just about numbers on a page — it’s a practical and essential skill.
2. Encourage a Positive Mindset
A big part of succeeding in maths is confidence. Many children say, “I’m just not good at maths,” but this mindset can hold them back. Encourage your child to see mistakes as part of learning and praise their effort rather than just the result.
Remind them that everyone finds some topics tricky and that perseverance makes a real difference. You could share your own experiences of overcoming challenges or learning something new — this helps them see that learning takes time for everyone.
3. Use Games and Technology
There are plenty of educational apps and online games that make maths engaging and fun. Platforms like Maths Shed, Times Tables Rock Stars, or BBC Bitesize turn learning into an interactive experience that children enjoy.
Board games such as Monopoly, Uno, or even simple dice games also strengthen number skills and logical thinking. These kinds of activities help children practise maths without feeling like they are doing extra homework — learning happens naturally through play.
4. Practise Little and Often
Regular short sessions tend to work better than long study periods. Just ten minutes of daily practice can make a big difference over time. Focus on one area at a time — for example, times tables, addition, or fractions — so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
Try incorporating quick maths challenges into your routine, like asking them to calculate totals or count backwards during a car journey. Consistent exposure helps information stick and builds fluency in basic skills.
5. Work with Their Teacher
If your child is finding maths particularly difficult, it’s worth speaking to their teacher. They can suggest areas to focus on or recommend resources that support what’s being taught in class. Working together ensures your child receives consistent guidance both at home and school.
Teachers often have insight into the methods children are being taught — especially as techniques may differ from those used in the past. Understanding these approaches will help you explain problems in a way that matches what your child is learning.
6. Celebrate Progress
Finally, remember to celebrate achievements, no matter how small. Recognising progress keeps your child motivated and builds their confidence. Whether it’s mastering a tricky times table or solving a problem independently, acknowledging their effort helps them feel proud of their hard work.
With patience, encouragement, and a little creativity, you can make maths an enjoyable and rewarding subject for your child — setting them up for success both now and in the future.