Understanding why kids struggle with math
Quick tips to help kids with math
- Quick tip 1Take a break to calm down.Take a break to calm down.
Stress and anxiety over math can prevent kids (and adults) from doing their best. If kids are frustrated, pause and take a deep breath. When they’re calm, return to the math.
If you see a child struggling with math, you might wonder why, and whether it’s something to be concerned about. Why is math so hard for some kids?
It’s not uncommon for kids to have trouble with math. Math difficulties can show up at different ages and in lots of ways. And it’s a myth that girls struggle more with math than boys do.
Some challenges are clearer, like trouble adding, subtracting, multiplying, or doing long division. Others are less noticeable and may not even seem directly related to math. For example, some kids have trouble telling time or left from right.
When kids struggle with math, it doesn’t mean they’re not smart or not trying hard enough. In fact, kids who have trouble with math are often trying their best.
Some kids just need more time and practice to learn math skills, or better instruction. Others need additional support to get there. The type of support kids need often depends on what’s causing the challenge.
Dive deeper
Examples of trouble with math
Math learning differences
The connection between math and anxiety
Next steps
Which of these is your main concern?
- Is there such a thing as a learning disability in math?
- My child struggles with even basic math. What can I do to help?
- Is it common for kids to be anxious about math?
- Ask your own question...
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