How to Get Rid of Math Anxiety? Practical Strategies for Students and Parents

Yes—Math anxiety is real, and it’s more than just “not liking Math.” If your child avoids Math class, gets flustered during tests, or says things like “I’m just not a Math person,” they may be dealing with something deeper than simple frustration. Math anxiety is a genuine emotional hurdle that affects many students across Singapore, starting as early as the lower Primary School levels.

From negative self-talk and test-day panic to zoning out in class or struggling despite trying hard, these behaviours often signal a fear of failure, not laziness. And while Math anxiety is common, it’s not permanent. With the right strategies, students can build confidence and regain control over their learning.

So how can parents and educators support children through this?

Understanding Math Anxiety: More Than Just Dislike

Math anxiety is more than a lack of interest in the subject—it’s a stress response that can interfere with how students think and perform when faced with numbers. It may look like freezing up during class, struggling to focus, or feeling overwhelmed by the idea of solving even simple equations. For some, the worry starts before they even sit down at their desk.

This isn’t just something that affects older students. Many children as young as six begin developing uneasy feelings around Math, especially if they’ve had negative experiences, like falling behind in class or feeling judged when they get something wrong. Over time, these feelings can snowball and lower performance in class and exam settings.

But here’s what’s important: this cycle can be broken. 

With consistent encouragement, the right teaching methods, and an environment that prioritises understanding over speed, children can start to feel more in control. They begin to see Math not as a threat, but as something they can tackle with time, support, and practice.

Root Causes of Math-Related Apprehension

If your child seems unusually anxious about Math, the environment they’re learning in could be playing a bigger role than you think. Children often pick up on the emotions of the adults around them. If a parent frequently says, “I was never good at Math,” or a teacher unintentionally conveys frustration, it can plant early doubts in a child’s mind.

Another common trigger is the feeling of being left behind in class. When concepts pile up and a child struggles to catch up, it’s easy for them to feel discouraged or assume they just aren’t “Maths-minded.” This mindset—once formed—can be hard to shake and often leads to avoidance or low self-esteem.

But, as mentioned, it’s not irreversible. 

A structured, encouraging environment, like what we provide at our Primary School Math tuition centre in Singapore—can help reframe how students approach the subject. With the right guidance, we’ve seen students rebuild their confidence and take meaningful steps forward.

Empowering Your Child: Steps to Alleviate Math Anxiety

When it comes to overcoming Math anxiety, encouragement and consistency from parents can make a real difference. Students thrive when they feel supported not just academically, but emotionally too.

Therefore, if you’re wondering what steps can be used to overcome Math anxiety, here are three practical ones you can apply at home to shift your child’s mindset.

• Reframe Mistakes as Progress: Instead of fearing errors, help your child see them as part of the learning process. Encouraging despite having made mistakes can reduce the pressure to get everything right. This shift builds resilience and promotes a growth mindset that’s essential in Math.
• Respond with Patience and Positivity: Children pick up on how adults react when challenges arise. So, if your child is struggling, avoid jumping in with corrections or frustration. Instead, offer calm reassurance and listen to their concerns. Let them know it’s okay to feel stuck and that asking for help is part of learning.
• Connect Math to Real Life: Abstract concepts become easier to grasp when applied to everyday tasks. Invite your child to tally grocery prices, split a bill, or estimate how long a journey will take. These simple activities turn Math into something tangible and purposeful, making it less intimidating and more empowering.

Nurturing Mathematical Confidence: Ongoing Support for Learning