Math Survival Guide for Homeschooling Moms Who Don’t Like Math

I thought I'd switch things up a big and offer some tips and tricks from my 15 years of experience teaching every subject. Today, I thought I'd focus on one of the hardest subjects for most homeschool moms and children. 

Let’s face it: if your feelings about math are anywhere from meh to avoid-at-all-costs, teaching it to your kids can feel like trying to wrestle an octopus while blindfolded. But fear not—there are strategies to survive (and maybe even enjoy) math time.

1. Embrace the “Fake It Till You Get It” Approach

You don’t have to be a math genius. Showing your child how to think through a problem—asking questions like, “Hmm, what do you notice here?” or “What happens if we try this?”—is often more valuable than knowing the answer yourself. Curiosity counts for more than calculation skills.

2. Make Math Hands-On

Manipulatives are your best friends: blocks, beads, coins, or even pasta noodles (bonus points for coloring them with food coloring). Turning abstract problems into physical objects helps kids see the math—and gives you a break from the anxiety of symbols and numbers. Bonus: your 2-year-old can join in by “counting” the pasta.

3. Use Real-Life Scenarios

Cooking, shopping, measuring for home projects, or even splitting up chores can become impromptu math lessons. Who knew cutting a cake could teach fractions? Or figuring out how many apples to buy for a week could teach multiplication? This also helps you avoid the dreaded, “Why do I need this anyway?” question.

4. Set a Timer (for You and Them)

Short, focused bursts of math—say, 15–20 minutes—are often more effective than marathon sessions. It keeps frustration low and attention high. Plus, it’s easier for you to survive 15 minutes of math than an hour-long algebra showdown.

5. Make Mistakes Together

Don’t be afraid to show your kids that you get it wrong sometimes. Solving a problem together after a “Oops!” moment models perseverance and shows that math is about thinking, not perfection. And let’s be honest: it gives you moral permission to breathe out a little sigh of relief.

6. Use Apps, Videos, and Games

Tech can be your best ally. Interactive apps, YouTube math tutorials, and educational games can take some pressure off you. You don’t have to know everything if your child can get some instruction from a friendly digital teacher.

7. Keep It Light and Humorous

Math can be tense, but a little humor goes a long way. Make up funny word problems, silly mnemonics, or celebrate “math victories” with a little dance or snack. Laughter makes learning stick and keeps the dread at bay.

8. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Your goal isn’t to turn yourself or your kids into mathematicians overnight. Celebrate small wins: mastering multiplication tables, completing a tricky problem, or even just approaching math without tears. Consistent effort beats instant mastery every time.

Bonus tip: Keep a “Math Emergency Kit” nearby—chocolate, coffee, and maybe a fidget toy for both you and the kids. Math doesn’t have to be fun, but survival is non-negotiable.