When maths feels scary: supporting children with maths anxiety

Maths anxiety is when a child feels worried, nervous, or overwhelmed when faced with maths. It’s more than just not liking maths — it can feel like a real sense of fear or panic, even with simple tasks.

This anxiety can make it much harder for a child to think clearly, remember what they’ve learned, or try new things. 

The good news is that maths anxiety can be reduced.

With the right support, a calm approach, and learning at the right pace, children can begin to feel safer with maths, rebuild their confidence, and start to believe in their ability again.

•  “Let’s  figure it out together.”
• “It’s okay to find this hard.”
• “We’re practising — not being tested.”
• “Mistakes  help us learn.”