Math can be challenging for kids, and even tougher when they feel like they’re falling behind. If your child is struggling with math, they might not always come right out and say it, but the signs are usually there. But you don’t have to wait until report card day to take action. The earlier you catch the signs, the easier it is to step in and rebuild their confidence.
At Calgary Home Tutoring, we’ve helped many families recognize these early red flags and support their children before small gaps turn into bigger challenges.
Here are 5 common signs to watch for, along with simple ways to help at home!
If your child is struggling with math, they might start dragging their feet on homework or avoiding it altogether. It’s not always laziness—more often, it’s a sign of frustration. Many kids hide their struggles behind phrases like “I’m just not a math person,” when really, they just need a bit more support and guidance.
Try This at Home:
Make math part of daily life in fun, low-pressure ways. Ask them to help measure ingredients while baking or calculate how many minutes until their favourite show starts. Show them math isn’t just about tests, and it’s a part of everyday problem-solving.
A drop in math grades or panic before quizzes could signal they’re not grasping the basics. Math builds on itself, so missing one concept can make the next one even harder.
Try This at Home:
Review their old tests together and ask them to teach you how they solved a few questions. This helps reinforce learning and makes them feel like the expert. It also gives you a chance to spot where they’re getting stuck.
If your child is still counting on their fingers in upper elementary school, they may not have mastered foundational skills. This slows them down and makes more complex math feel overwhelming.
Try This at Home:
Turn math facts into a game. Flashcards, math bingo, or apps like Prodigy or Math Playground make learning multiplication tables feel like play. Keep sessions short and upbeat.
When a child is struggling with math, they often feel defeated before they even begin. You might hear them say things like, “I can’t do this,” or see them get upset easily during homework time. These emotional reactions usually stem from a lack of confidence, rather than a lack of ability.
Try This at Home:
Celebrate small wins. If they answer one problem right, cheer them on. Encourage a growth mindset by praising effort over results. A “you worked hard on that!” goes a long way.
Sometimes, it’s not obvious until a parent-teacher conference or a provincial test result flags that your child is behind.
Try This at Home:
Talk to their teacher to understand what specific areas they need help with. Use that info to find online worksheets or games that match their level. Keep it light, five minutes a day adds up fast!
DIY solutions can help a lot—but if your child is struggling with math despite your best efforts, it might be time for personalized support. A one-on-one math tutor can break down concepts in a way that fits your child’s learning style and helps them feel more confident with every session.
At Calgary Home Tutoring, we offer math home tutoring for elementary, junior high, and high school students. Our caring, experienced tutors help students build confidence, fill knowledge gaps, and learn at their own pace, all from the comfort of their own homes.
Reach out to us to learn more!
