“I Was Never Good at Maths” — Why It’s Time to Break the Cycle

It’s a phrase many parents say without thinking:
“I was never good at maths either.”
It might seem harmless, even comforting — a way to empathise with your teen when they’re struggling. But what if that message is doing more harm than good?

Maths Struggles Aren’t Inherited

Let’s clear something up: being “bad at maths” isn’t something you pass down like eye colour or curly hair. Struggling with maths is often the result of gaps in learning, lack of confidence, or not being taught in a way that clicks — not genetics.

In fact, research shows that everyone has the potential to succeed in maths with the right support, mindset, and practice. The brain is like a muscle — it grows stronger with use. When teens hear that maths ability is fixed or inherited, they’re more likely to give up when things get tough.

The Power of Words

When a young person hears, “I couldn’t do maths either,” they might interpret it as:

• “It’s okay to stop trying.”
• “This is just how our family is.”
• “There’s no point in pushing through.”

Over time, this can chip away at their confidence and motivation. They may start to believe that no matter how hard they try, they’ll never be “a maths person.” And that belief can follow them into adulthood, limiting their choices in education, careers, and even everyday life.

Why It Matters in Wales

In Wales, the new Curriculum for Wales encourages a more holistic, skills-based approach to learning — and maths is a key part of that. Whether your teen wants to go into engineering, business, healthcare, or even the arts, numeracy is a life skill they’ll need.

By reinforcing the idea that maths is learnable — not inherited — you’re helping your child build resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset.

What You Can Do Instead

• Be honest, but encouraging. Instead of saying “I was bad at maths,” try:
  “I found maths tricky too, but I know you can get there with practice.”

• Celebrate effort, not just results. Praise your teen for sticking with a tough problem, not just for getting the right answer.

• Ask for help together. If you’re unsure how to support them, reach out to their teacher or look for resources online. You don’t have to have all the answers — just showing you care makes a big difference.

• Model a growth mindset. Let them see you learning something new, making mistakes, and trying again. It’s powerful.

Final Thought

Maths isn’t about being born with a special talent — it’s about persistence, support, and belief. Let’s stop passing down the myth that some people just “can’t do maths.” Your teen is capable of more than they know — and with your encouragement, they just might surprise you.