Homework Panic? How to Help Your Child Survive (and Succeed at) Maths
- Courtney Steenholdt
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
It’s Thursday night. Your child has a fractions test tomorrow. You thought they understood it… until you looked at the homework.
Now the house is full of sighs, slammed books, and maybe even a few tears (from both of you). You Google “help me with math homework” and wonder why this stuff is so confusing.
Good news: it’s not too late. Whether your child has a learning challenge or just hit a tricky topic, here’s how to make maths make sense tonight.
What Kind of Help Does Your Child Actually Need?
Not every child who struggles with homework has dyscalculia. But some do. Others may just need things explained in a different way.
There are two types of maths support we offer at DyslexAbility:
Homework Help / Maths Genius: For kids who are generally okay with maths but need help preparing for a test or working through a tricky topic (fractions, algebra, decimals, etc.).
Maths Intervention: For kids who have deep foundational gaps, often due to dyscalculia or missed concepts. They need to go back and rebuild, not just cram.
If your child usually does fine but occasionally needs support? You’re likely in the Maths Genius zone.
Fast Fixes: How to Help Tonight
Need to get through homework now? Here are proven strategies you can use straight away:
Get Hands-On: Use coins, blocks, measuring cups — anything physical. Manipulatives make abstract ideas (like fractions) real.
Draw It Out: Visual learners benefit from number lines, fraction bars, and diagrams.
Colour Code Everything: Colours help children group, cluster and remember. Use highlighters to show steps.
One Problem at a Time: Reduce overwhelm. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Breaks Are Brain Boosters: Try 10 mins work, 2 min break. Use timers.
Let Them Teach It Back: If they can explain it to you, they understand it.
What If Every Week Feels Like This?
If homework meltdowns happen regularly, it might be more than a tough topic.
Children with dyslexia or dyscalculia often:
Struggle with number order and place value.
Can’t memorise times tables.
Forget steps in multi-step problems.
Panic when faced with symbols like ÷ or x.
Say they "get it" in class but can’t repeat it at home.
In that case, a maths intervention may be the best next step. It focuses on how your child learns, not just what they’re learning.
Our Maths Genius Program: Homework Help That Works
This isn’t tutoring that throws more worksheets at your child.
Our Maths Genius sessions are:
Delivered by experienced maths practitioners.
Tailored to specific topics (fractions, algebra, geometry, etc.).
Focused on understanding, not memorising.
Flexible: book a one-off or ongoing support.
Whether it’s Year 5 decimals or Year 10 linear equations, we’re here to help your child walk into their test prepared and confident.
Explore the Parent Learning Hub
Need backup tools? Visit the Parent Learning Hub for:
Visual guides to tricky maths topics
Step-by-step strategies for parents
Printables and video walkthroughs
Study templates and revision tips
Everything we create is designed with neurodiverse learners in mind.
Maths Doesn’t Have to Be a Fight
Some kids need intervention. Some just need someone to explain it differently.
Either way, homework doesn’t have to end in tears. With the right help, your child can go from panic to progress — and even begin to feel like a maths genius.
👉 Book a Maths Genius session or explore the Parent Learning Hub today.
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