Many children say, “I’m just not good at maths.” But the truth is, most struggles with maths aren’t about ability—they’re about confidence. A lack of self-belief can create anxiety, frustration, and even avoidance of the subject altogether. The good news? Confidence can be built step by step, and once it grows, performance almost always improves.
Here’s how parents can help their children develop a stronger sense of confidence in maths.
1. Understand the Link Between Confidence and Performance
Confidence shapes how children approach challenges. A child who believes they can solve a maths problem will try harder, use different strategies, and be more resilient when they make mistakes. On the other hand, a child who thinks they’re “bad at maths” may give up quickly or not even attempt the problem.
When children feel capable, their effort naturally increases—and effort is often the missing piece to better results.
2. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Research shows that children who adopt a growth mindset—the belief that ability improves with practice—tend to perform much better than those who think talent is fixed.
Praise effort, not just results: Instead of saying “You’re so smart,” try “I love how hard you worked on that problem.”
Normalize mistakes: Explain that errors are a natural part of learning and help the brain grow.
Highlight progress: Remind your child of how far they’ve come since the start of the school year.
3. Create a Supportive Learning Environment
Maths can feel intimidating, so it’s important to make the learning environment comfortable and stress-free.
Choose a quiet space with minimal distractions.
Break study sessions into short, focused chunks (20–30 minutes).
Use fun tools—like maths games, puzzles, or apps—to make learning engaging.
Celebrate small wins, like mastering multiplication tables or finishing a tricky homework sheet.
4. Provide Extra Practice in Manageable Steps
Confidence grows when children experience success. Start with problems at their current level and slowly increase the difficulty.
For example, if fractions feel overwhelming, go back to simpler concepts like division and build up from there. This way, every success becomes a stepping stone to bigger challenges.
At Miss Purple Tutoring, we design personalized lesson plans based on each child’s needs, so they can progress steadily without feeling lost.
5. Consider Professional Support
Sometimes, even with the best parental support, children need a little extra help. Tutoring can provide that boost by:
Offering personalized guidance tailored to the child’s learning style
Closing learning gaps with targeted lessons
Building confidence through consistent feedback and encouragement
With small group sessions (maximum of 5 students) and one-to-one options, Miss Purple Tutoring ensures every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
6. Stay Involved and Celebrate Progress
As a parent, your encouragement means everything. Regularly ask your child what they learned, celebrate even small improvements, and show genuine pride in their effort.
Confidence doesn’t grow overnight—it’s built through steady encouragement, practice, and recognition of progress.
Final Thoughts
Confidence in maths is just as important as knowledge. By encouraging a growth mindset, creating a supportive learning environment, and providing the right level of guidance, you can help your child see maths not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to grow.
At Miss Purple Tutoring, our mission is simple: to help children build confidence, close learning gaps, and thrive in their studies. With the right support, every child can say, “I’m good at maths!”
Ready to help your child gain confidence in maths?
Call us at (587) 974 9830 or Email misspurpletutoring@gmail.com to book a session today