Mathematics can feel challenging for many students, but with the right encouragement it can become an exciting and rewarding subject. If your child struggles with numbers or lacks enthusiasm for learning maths, you are far from alone. Many students find maths difficult at first, yet a genuine interest can be nurtured with the right environment and support. Below are practical strategies to help spark a love of maths in your child, including organising maths tutoring to build confidence and motivation.
Make Maths Relevant to Everyday Life
One of the most effective ways to engage children is to show how maths connects to real life. Maths appears in everyday activities — from calculating change and measuring ingredients to estimating travel time or comparing quantities. Turning ordinary moments into learning opportunities helps children see the value of maths beyond the classroom. For example, at the supermarket, ask your child to estimate the total cost of items in the basket, work out savings during a sale, or compare unit prices to choose the best value. These small, practical exercises build number sense and show that maths has real, useful applications.
Introduce Fun and Interactive Learning Tools
Learning maths doesn’t have to mean only working through worksheets. Games and interactive resources can make concepts stick while keeping learning enjoyable. Board games like Monopoly or strategy games that require counting and budgeting, puzzles such as Sudoku, and coding activities develop logical thinking and problem-solving. Online platforms — for example, Khan Academy or national learning sites like BBC Bitesize — offer bite-sized lessons and practice exercises tailored to different ages. Encourage a mix of hands-on and digital tools to maintain variety and curiosity.
Foster a Growth Mindset
Many children avoid maths because they believe they are simply “not good at it.” This fixed mindset can create anxiety and limit effort. Encourage a growth mindset by emphasizing that maths ability develops with practice and persistence. Praise effort, strategy and progress rather than innate talent; celebrate small wins and treat mistakes as learning opportunities. Resources about growth mindset, such as those from Mindset Works, explain practical ways to reinforce resilient learning habits. Over time, this approach reduces fear and builds the confidence needed to tackle harder problems.
Consider Maths Tutoring for Extra Support
If your child is falling behind or lacks confidence, a tutor can provide personalised guidance and structure. A good tutor breaks complex topics into manageable steps, adapts explanations to your child’s learning style, and sets clear, achievable goals. Tutoring can help with catching up on missed foundations, preparing for exams, or extending understanding for advanced learners. When choosing a tutor, look for experience, clear communication, and a focus on building confidence as well as competence. A positive tutoring experience often changes a child’s attitude toward maths, making it feel achievable and even enjoyable.
Be a Positive Role Model
Children pick up on their parents’ attitudes toward learning. If you express frustration or say you “hate maths,” your child may adopt the same mindset. Model curiosity and a calm approach when solving problems together: talk through your thinking, try different strategies, and show that perseverance pays off. Share stories of your own learning — including times you made mistakes and learned from them — to normalise the struggle and emphasise progress. Simple shared activities, like cooking together or playing number-based games, make maths approachable and fun at home.
Nurturing a Love for Maths
Encouraging a passion for maths takes patience, creativity and consistent support. By weaving maths into everyday life, using engaging learning tools, promoting a growth mindset and considering tutoring when appropriate, you can transform your child’s experience with the subject. With the right encouragement and resources, your child may discover that maths is not only useful but also rewarding and enjoyable.
