What is Math Anxiety?
Math anxiety is when some people feel nervous, tense, or even sick when they’re asked to do math. It is more than just “not liking math.” Instead, it shows up in very specific moments, like solving a problem in class, doing homework, or seeing a word problem on a worksheet. It can also show up when doing everyday tasks, like figuring out a tip, budgeting, or following a recipe.
Why is math anxiety an issue?
Math anxiety affects about 25% of children in elementary school. If left alone, it can increase worry and avoidance of situations that involve math. It might result in putting off math homework until the last minute, losing focus during a math test, and not raising one’s hand to ask a question in front of the class. Over time, math anxiety can lead to lower academic achievement and lower interest in pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Finally, the feeling of anxiety is not a fun experience – it can have a negative effect on physical health and well-being.
How do I know if my child has math anxiety?
- There may be signs that your child has math anxiety. In children as young as 6 years old, you can ask them directly about their feelings towards math. If your child seems to be answering “Yes” to a lot of the questions below, it is recommended that you contact your child’s teacher to see if they have similar concerns.
- “Do you ever feel nervous when you….
- take a math test?
- are learning something new in math?
- have to answer a math question in front of the class?
- need to ask for help from the teacher during math?
- explain how you solved a math problem to your teacher or other students?”
- “Do you ever feel nervous when you….
- Ask your child’s teacher:
- “When my child is confused about something in math, or has a question, do they seem confident that they can ask for help?”
- “Does my child seem anxious when they take a math test?”
- “My child told me that they feel nervous or anxious when they do math. Have you noticed this at all in your classroom?”
- If your child is (a) a girl, (b) from a lower-income background, or (c) from a minoritized group, they may be at a higher risk for developing math anxiety. A person from a minoritized group includes someone who is a person of color, a first- or second-generation immigrant, or comes from a household where English is not the primary language.
What can I do as a parent to help prevent and/or treat math anxiety?
- Don’t: model your own negative emotions towards math in front of your child.
- Do: show your child how to deal with feeling uncomfortable and solve math problems calmly. If you are feeling overwhelmed by math in front of your child, show them l how to ask for help during everyday math situations, like calculating a tip, following a budget, or making changes to a recipe.
- Don’t: allow your child to skip or avoid difficult math tasks when age-appropriate. For example, it wouldn’t make sense to ask a kindergartener to do a long division problem. But it may be appropriate for them to help you figure out how many more apples you need to buy at the grocery store in order to follow to a pie recipe.
- Do: talk about how solving math problems is a normal part of learning. Explain to your child that making mistakes is common and is actually a good sign – it means we’re learning and growing!
- Don’t: avoid or delay seeking treatment for your own mental health.
- Do: Just like going to the dentist, when you show your child how to ask for help for your own mental health, children will feel empowered to do the same. Show them that looking for treatment for your mental health from a professional is normal and okay in your family.
Are there other ways to help my child?
- If you are concerned that your child might have math anxiety, let your child’s teacher know about your concerns. Also, talk to your school counselor or school psychologist. They can help you find services for your child.
- You may also be able to ask for information from your pediatrician. They can help you decide if you need more help or if math anxiety is a symptom of another condition, such as general anxiety, autism, or ADHD.
Conclusion
Because math anxiety can appear differently in each individual child, your expertise as a caregiver to your child has the potential to be the most impactful.
Additional Resources
Treating your own mental health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
More about what parents can do for math anxiety: https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/helping-kids-manage-math-anxiety
Proper Citation for this blog post:
Cook, O. K., & Maghami-Sharif, Z. (July 17, 2026). Math anxiety in children: What parents should know https://infoaboutkids.org/blog/math-anxiety-in-children-what-parents-should-know/
