Many children say they hate maths, but what they usually mean is that they feel anxious, frustrated, or confused by it. The good news is that negative feelings about maths are learned, which means they can also be unlearned. With the right approach, even children who struggle can develop a more positive relationship with mathematics.

Understanding Maths Anxiety

Maths anxiety is a real phenomenon that affects a significant proportion of children and adults. It creates a vicious cycle: anxiety impairs working memory, which makes maths harder, which increases anxiety. Breaking this cycle requires reducing the emotional stakes of mathematical practice. Games are one of the most effective ways to do this because they feel lower-stakes than tests and worksheets.

Start Where the Child Is

Start where the child is, not where you think they should be. A 9-year-old who struggles with multiplication may need to go back and solidify their addition and subtraction skills first. There is no shame in this — building a strong foundation is more important than keeping up with peers. Use easy levels of educational games to identify the point where the child is comfortable, then build from there.

Make Mistakes Normal

Make mistakes normal and valuable. In a maths game, getting an answer wrong costs a point, not a grade. This lower-stakes environment allows children to make mistakes without fear. Talk about your own mathematical mistakes too: "I was trying to work out the tip at the restaurant and I got it wrong at first — I had to try again."

Practical Strategies That Work

Try these approaches with a child who is struggling:

• •Use physical objects to make abstract concepts concrete (blocks, coins, food items)
• •Keep sessions short (10 minutes) and always end on a positive note
• •Celebrate effort and improvement, not just correct answers
• •Connect maths to things the child cares about (football stats, cooking, collecting)
• •Avoid saying "I was never good at maths" — this teaches children that ability is fixed

The Role of Online Games in Reducing Anxiety

Online educational games remove many of the social pressures that contribute to maths anxiety. There is no public failure — mistakes are private. There is no time pressure from a teacher watching. There is no comparison with classmates. This private, pressure-free environment allows struggling children to practice without the emotional barriers that often prevent engagement.

Change takes time. A child who has developed maths anxiety over years will not overcome it in weeks. Be patient, be consistent, and be positive. Every small positive experience with maths chips away at the negative associations. With the right support, most children can develop a workable relationship with mathematics — and many come to enjoy it.