Maths Anxiety – What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Fix It
- Anna Brown
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
Maths anxiety is more common than most families realise. It is not a sign that a child is “bad at maths.” Maths anxiety is an emotional block that appears when maths feels overwhelming, confusing, or impossible. Children who normally think clearly can suddenly freeze when numbers show up. Some forget what they already knew, others panic or shut down. This article explains where maths anxiety comes from and what parents and teachers can do to overcome it.
One common cause of maths anxiety is a sudden change in curriculum or school environment. A student might move from one school to another where the expectations are higher, the pace is faster, or the textbooks assume knowledge they have not yet mastered. I once taught a student who changed schools mid-year and instantly felt lost. Her new class worked at a higher level and she quickly started saying, “I don’t get it,” even when the maths was well within her reach. Her frustration turned into panic and she blocked the learning altogether. The solution was not to force her to keep up with the new class. We went back two years in the curriculum to rebuild confidence. Once she remembered she could succeed, she became calmer, her brain opened up again, and step by step she climbed back to the required level.
Another major reason for maths anxiety is unrealistic expectations at home. Families often try to motivate children by saying things like “You need top grades,” or “Your cousin always gets A’s.” Even with the best intentions, children hear a different message: “If I make a mistake, I disappoint everyone.” To avoid failure, some children avoid trying altogether. Progress improves only when pressure is reduced. Parents should praise effort rather than results, highlight small wins, and normalise struggle. Mistakes should be treated as part of learning, not as something to fear.
To defeat maths anxiety, children need support, patience, and the right approach. The most effective strategies include slowing down the pace of learning, revisiting earlier material to rebuild fluency, recognising and celebrating success, and keeping practice short and consistent. When children feel safe, mistakes turn from danger to opportunity. With encouragement and a steady pathway, maths anxiety can be replaced with confidence and pride.
Maths anxiety does not define any child. It is temporary, fixable, and absolutely normal. With a supportive environment and teaching that values thinking over perfection, every learner can move from “I can’t” to “I can do this.”
Download free printable: Maths Anxiety Parent Checklist (PDF) — link below.
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