Maths isn’t everyone’s idea of fun is it? For some of us, it’s a real stress point. This is made even worse when our own children don’t enjoy it automatically or struggle with concepts. Making maths fun is the key to helping your child learn more about numbers in a positive way. Here are some top tips for helping your child learn maths faster and stay happy whilst doing it!

Make sure your child knows why maths is important

It’s unhelpful to repeatedly tell a child that they must work hard at maths. Children are practical creatures and like to know why! Show them how often maths crops up during your day-to-day life. At the supermarket, show them how to read the price labels on items and use a calculator to add things up as they are placed in the trolley. This is more interesting for a child than sitting at a table and learning to add up. In the kitchen, you can show them how you use maths when you weight and measure the ingredients for their favourite cakes! This is another fun activity which most children enjoy.

Sit beside them as they learn

It might sound obvious but for a child who is struggling, homework time can feel like a very lonely place! Sit beside your child and read through their tasks with them. Avoid telling your child the solutions to the problems but rather assist them as they make sense of them.

Be positive and don’t give up

Children who struggle can find it very wearing to keep on trying. Don’t give up and remain positive at all times. Avoid phrases like “you’re just not trying hard enough” and “it’s really simple” because for many children, these comments can be damaging to their self-esteem.

Maths can be very tricky, and it is very easy for children to get overwhelmed with a particular equation and give up. If this happens, encourage your child to keep going. If learning support is needed, ensure that your child’s school offers appropriate care. This sixth form in London carefully monitors and evaluates every child’s progress throughout the academic year so that any issues can be ironed out quickly.