If your child does not like math, you are not alone
If your child does not like math, avoids practicing it, or feels confused even after repeated explanations, you are not alone. Many parents notice that their child puts in genuine effort but still does not score well. Over time, students may stop asking questions, lose confidence, or avoid math altogether. Math tutoring in Brampton helps address these challenges by rebuilding understanding, confidence, and problem-solving skills step by step.
You may notice that your child:
- Tries to avoid math whenever possible
- Does not understand concepts even after explanations are repeated
- Stops asking questions or engaging with the teacher
- Puts in effort but does not see improvement in marks
- Feels frustrated, anxious, or discouraged during math lessons
If any of these resonates with you, you are in the right place. These struggles are very common and do not mean your child lacks ability or intelligence. At All Study Buddy, we understand that there can be many reasons behind math difficulties and yes, there are solutions for all of them. While it is not possible to explain every learning technique in writing, this blog will help you understand why students struggle, why marks don’t reflect effort, and what helps students start improving.
Math struggles don’t suddenly begin in high school
For many students, math does not suddenly become difficult in Grade 9 or 10. The struggle usually starts much earlier, when basic concepts are not practiced regularly. High school simply makes these gaps more visible because expectations increase; lessons move faster, and there is less time for revision.
This often happens because:
- Basics were not fully understood in earlier grades
- Small gaps were never addressed
- Students moved ahead without mastering core skills
- High school assumes strong foundations
At All Study Buddy, we often work with students who have been moving forward grade after grade while quietly carrying small gaps. Our focus is to identify where learning started to feel unclear and rebuild understanding step by step, so students feel confident again.
Math is a subject that builds year after year
Math is not a subject where topics stand alone. Each new concept depends on earlier learning. If one step is weak, the next step feels confusing, even for hardworking students. This is why math struggles tend to grow over time if foundations are not strengthened.
When learning is not built properly:
- New topics feel overwhelming
- Students struggle to connect ideas
- Confidence drops despite effort
- Math starts to feel stressful
At All Study Buddy, we help students strengthen earlier concepts before moving ahead. This creates a sense of security in learning and prevents confusion when new topics are introduced.
Why small topics can turn into big problems later
Math struggles often don’t come from one big concept. They usually come from small topics that were not given enough attention at the right time. Skills such as order of operations, fractions, decimals, and percentages may seem manageable in earlier grades, but they form the base for almost everything students learn later. When these topics are rushed through or not practiced enough, students may still move ahead but with gaps that quietly grow. In higher grades, these same topics reappear in more complex ways, turning into major sources of confusion and stress. What once felt like a small issue can quickly become a headache when math becomes faster and more demanding.
Here are a few clear examples of how early gaps affect higher grades:
- BEDMAS (Grades 5–6) → mistakes in multi-step algebra and equation solving (Grades 8–10)
- Fractions (Grades 5–7) → difficulty with algebraic expressions, ratios, and proportional reasoning (Grades 8–10)
- Decimals (Grades 4–6) → errors in graphs, measurements, and scientific calculations (Grades 8–10)
- Percentages (Grades 5–7) → struggles with financial math, interest, profit & loss, and data management (Grades 9–10)
Few Basics to Mention:
BEDMAS is not a small topic
BEDMAS (order of operations) is used in almost every math question, especially in high school. Many students believe they understand it, but small misunderstandings lead to frequent mistakes. These mistakes affect marks and slowly reduce confidence.
When BEDMAS is unclear:
- Errors appear in multi-step questions
- Students lose marks unnecessarily
- Math feels “tricky” or confusing
- Confidence drops during tests
At All Study Buddy, we revisit BEDMAS in a simple, practical way, using guided examples and regular practice until students apply it naturally without second-guessing themselves.
Fractions, decimals, and percentages never disappear
Many parents believe fractions, decimals, and percentages belong only to elementary or middle school. These concepts appear constantly in algebra, equations, finance, and data management. If a student is unsure about them, math quickly becomes stressful.
These basics are used in:
- Algebra and equations
- Word problems
- Finance and data topics
- Everyday calculations
At All Study Buddy, we focus on making these concepts clear and connected, helping students understand how they work together rather than memorizing steps without meaning.
When basics are weak, math starts to feel scary
Repeated mistakes can make students believe they are “bad at math.” Over time, this belief turns into fear, avoidance, and low confidence. Most of the time, the issue is not lack of intelligence but lack of regular practice and support.
This often leads to:
- Math anxiety
- Avoiding participation
- Fear of tests
- Giving up too quickly
At All Study Buddy, we create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and learning at their own pace without pressure.
Regular practice changes everything
Math improves through consistency, not last-minute studying. Short, regular practice helps students remember what they have learned and feel more confident. Even 10–15 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference over time.
Regular practice helps students:
- Retain concepts longer
- Improve accuracy
- Reduce stress
- Build confidence
At All Study Buddy, we guide students with structured, manageable practice routines that fit easily into their daily schedule, making learning achievable instead of overwhelming.
Strong basics improve speed and accuracy
When students are confident with calculations, they work faster and make fewer errors. This is especially important during tests, where time pressure can cause anxiety.
Strong basics lead to:
- Better time management
- Fewer careless mistakes
- Higher confidence
- Improved marks
At All Study Buddy, we help students practice fundamentals until they become automatic, allowing them to focus on understanding questions rather than worrying about small errors.
High school math moves fast
High school teachers move quickly and expect students to already know the basics. There is little time to revisit earlier concepts in class, which can make falling behind stressful.
This means:
- Students must keep up independently
- Gaps become more noticeable
- Stress increases quickly
At All Study Buddy, we provide the extra support students need outside the classroom, so they don’t fall behind when lessons move forward.
Small gaps grow if they are ignored
A small misunderstanding in earlier grades can affect many topics later. Ignoring these gaps often leads to long-term struggles and frustration.
If gaps are not addressed:
- Confusion continues
- Confidence drops further
- Learning feels harder each year
At All Study Buddy, we focus on early identification and targeted support, helping students’ close gaps before they become bigger problems.
Strong foundations keep students ahead
Students who practice math basics regularly feel more confident, participate more actively, and stay ahead academically. Strong foundations support success not only in math, but across subjects that require logical thinking and problem-solving.
Strong foundations support:
- Long-term academic success
- Confidence in learning
- Better problem-solving skills
At All Study Buddy, our goal is to build lasting skills and confidence, so students feel prepared, capable, and supported throughout their academic journey.
