How to Help Your Child Build Confidence in Math

15 January 202524 June 2025 Josh Dalley

Simple Strategies You Can Use at Home

Math can be a joyful, creative, and empowering subject—but for many children, it can also feel intimidating. If your child has ever said, “I’m just not a math person,” you’re not alone. The good news is: confidence in math can be built, and it starts at home with small, positive steps.

Here are some easy ways you can support your child’s math journey—no advanced equations required!

1. Use Positive Math Talk

What we say about math matters. Even casual comments like “I was never good at math either” can accidentally send the wrong message.
Try saying:

“Math takes practice, just like sports or music.”
“It’s okay to make mistakes—that’s how we learn!”
“I believe in you. Let’s figure this out together.”

Let your child see that effort is more important than being “naturally good” at math.

2. Make Math Part of Playtime

Math doesn’t always have to come from a worksheet. Games are a fantastic way to build skills without the pressure.
Try these fun options:

Board games like Monopoly Jr., Yahtzee, or Uno (great for counting and strategy)
Card games like War (number comparisons) or Make 10
Puzzles and tangrams for shape and spatial reasoning
Apps or websites with math games that match your child’s level

Even 10–15 minutes a day of playful math can build both skills and confidence.

3. Find Math in Everyday Moments

Math is everywhere—you just have to look! Try these easy ideas:

Cooking together: Let your child measure ingredients or double a recipe.
Grocery shopping: Compare prices, estimate totals, or count items.
Time telling: Ask how long until bedtime, or what time a show starts if it’s 45 minutes from now.

When kids see how math connects to real life, it starts to make more sense—and feel more useful.

4. Praise the Process, Not Just the Result

Instead of saying “You’re so smart,” try:

“I’m proud of how you stuck with that problem.”
“You found a smart strategy—that was creative thinking.”
“It’s great how you learned from your mistake.”

This helps children develop a growth mindset, where they see math challenges as something they can handle, not something to fear.

5. Break It Down When It Gets Tough

If your child is frustrated, try helping them:

Re-read the problem together out loud
Draw a picture or model the problem with objects
Talk through their thinking instead of rushing to the answer

Sometimes just knowing they have a calm partner makes a huge difference.

6. Keep Communication Open With Teachers

Your child’s teacher can give you insights into their progress and what skills to focus on at home. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request resources—teachers love partnering with families!

Final Thought:

Every child can grow to feel confident in math with the right support, mindset, and encouragement. And you don’t have to be a math expert—you just have to be a cheerleader, a guide, and someone who believes in their ability to learn.

Together, let’s turn “I’m not good at math” into “I can do this!”