My child has always been good at math but now they are struggling.

Question

My child has always found it easy to do math, they were even able to do most of it in their head from a young age. As they have grown older, however, math is becoming increasingly frustrating to them and their grades are dropping. Since I didn't have to help them much in the past, I am feeling unsure where to start but want to help them become math confident again.

Answer 1

Write work, especially when it's simple. That helps a student avoid mistakes, keep things straight.

Keep a "cheat sheet" of formulas or concepts that cause trouble, This will not just be one sheet, BTW. Refer to it when working math. These formulas/concepts will eventually become second nature.

Work with a tutor who can help the student learn the math and also how to take notes and study for math. I can show your child how to use tools like that cheat sheet, text book, web sites, calculators like Desmos, and even AI to aid in study, especially to get explanations of concepts that cause issues. I am also available via email to answer questions, including making videos when explanations are needed.

Drop me a line.

Answer 2

Hi there,

First, thank you so much for sharing this. It's clear how much you care about your child, and that alone is such a powerful force in helping them rediscover their confidence in math.

What you’re describing is something I see often—and it’s completely normal. Many bright students who excel at math early on do so with ease, often solving problems in their head without needing formal strategies. But as math becomes more abstract in later grades, even naturally gifted learners may hit a point where it stops "clicking" the way it used to. That doesn't mean they've lost their ability—it simply means they're ready to grow in new ways.

With the right guidance and mindset, your child can absolutely regain their confidence😀

Answer 3

The solution to this problem is three-pronged. I have found that there are many students from an early age who are great at mental math. This is a wonderful gift, but eventually it can become a weakness as they move into higher math still trying to do math problems in their head. The solution for this is to teach the student to write out each step of each problem. Initially, there will be some reluctance on the student's part to do this, as it will appear to slow them down. In a few weeks, however, they will start to see their frustration levels go down and their confidence in math build again.

In addition to writing down problems, they need to have a separate notebook where they begin to note formulas and examples that they can go back to when they get stuck. After starting this notebook, they need to be encouraged to return to it when they encounter problems they can't remember how to do.

Lastly, students need help getting unstuck when they can't move forward and the above two solutions are not enough. Reaching out to their teacher or finding a tutor is essential at these times. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to finish their assignment because of one small topic they don't understand. Students who use these techniques will be able to return to being independent math learners and great at math again.

Answer 4

It’s quite common for students who once found math intuitive to encounter difficulties as concepts become more abstract. This transition typically occurs when math moves from simple computation and memorization to algebraic reasoning and analytical problem-solving.

Here’s what I’d recommend to rebuild confidence:

1. Assess Specific Gaps: Identify exactly where they’re struggling. Algebra 1, for instance, relies heavily on mastering pre-algebra skills like fractions, decimals, integer operations, and basic equation-solving. Consider a diagnostic assessment to pinpoint areas needing attention.
2. Consistent Practice: Math proficiency, especially at higher levels, hinges on consistent practice. Even short daily review sessions can significantly improve retention and reduce anxiety around tests.
3. Real-World Connections: Connect math concepts to real-life scenarios. Demonstrating practical applications can boost engagement, making abstract concepts more tangible.
4. Use Structured Resources: Leverage structured materials like Khan Academy or IXL to provide targeted practice and instant feedback, building mastery in incremental steps.
5. Professional Tutoring: Sometimes external support makes all the difference. A qualified tutor can tailor lessons specifically to your child’s learning style, rebuilding foundational skills and confidence.

Ultimately, the key is patience and structured support. It’s entirely possible to help your child regain their math confidence and excel again.

Answer 5

So, we all think about the world based on a paradigm, a system of rules (and assumptions) that guide us as we evaluate what we observe in the world and predict what will happen in certain situations.

In order to advance in school, and in life, from time to time we have shed on paradigms in order to appreciate a more nuanced view. The paradigm shifts can be quite difficult, and it is crucial that your child has a guide who can help him understand why he or she can no longer use his old tools and tricks in this new area.

Each student responds differently to this paradigms. Explanations that work for one student will just confuse another, Patience and diligence are required of the student and the tutor to successfully navigate these transitions.

The good news is that it's kind of like riding a bike: once you get it, you get it. And, you can't really understand why you struggled in the first place.

Be careful not to berate your child that they just need to write down their steps, or be more careful. The issue is often much bigger than that. And, implying that your child is at fault for making mistakes can cause them to retreat and to start believing that they cannot do it. At these junctions, it's not about effort or meticulousness, instead it is about finding a way to connect with the concepts from a completely different perspective.

I am happy to help directly if you like.

Answer 6

I think this really depends on what you mean by "good at math". Often times, as has been covered in previous answers, it means that they're good at mental math. This can make the jump to algebra difficult because it is harder to ground it in reality. Where discrete number problems, fractions, and word problems all have real world meanings which supplement the math, introducing the idea of a variable disrupts that and forces them to change how they think about math.

This (in my experience) is applicable in almost every field of learning, and that's why I spend a lot of time in my sessions trying to connect new topics to things that students are already familiar with. Building up connections between topics like this not only helps increase understanding, but it also better prepares them to encounter new material as it teaches them how to break down unfamiliar problems into things that they already know.

I'd recommend trying to find ways to do this with your child. While this is going to be unique to everyone (and you know your child better than I do), the most common way I find myself introducing the basics of algebra is by thinking about it as "chipping away" to find the variable, like a sculpture. You wouldn't start making a sand castle by cutting it in half, but my taking off the outer edges furthest from where you want the castle to be and working your way in. In the same way, you want to take the stuff "furthest away" from the variable and work your way in until you're left with just what you want.

If you or your child's teachers aren't able to get through with an approach like this, it may be wise to try and find a tutor who works well with his understanding. Hope you find this helpful!