Encourage Mental Maths
Give Your Child A Superpower They Can Use Every Single Day
Does your child stumble when they need to “work it out in their head”? That hesitation is completely normal – but it’s also a golden opportunity. Mental maths isn’t just about being fast. It’s about building confidence, number sense and flexible thinking. When children practise mental calculations in small, everyday moments, they sharpen their skills without even realising it. And over time, those quick-fire habits turn into a powerful maths superpower.
“Mental maths gives kids the tools to think smartly, estimate quickly and tackle challenges without fear.”
Picture this: you're setting the dinner table. “We’ve got 6 people and each needs a fork, knife and spoon. How many pieces of cutlery do we need?” Your child pauses, thinks… “18!” Suddenly, a simple task becomes a maths win. Everyday moments become brain-training sessions – playful, pressure-free and packed with growth. From counting steps to estimating grocery costs, these quick mental exercises build strength that lasts.
The secret is to keep it light and frequent. Ask questions while driving. Use everyday items to model shortcuts like rounding or doubling. Celebrate the strategy, not just the answer. At My5MMT, we reinforce this kind of thinking through structured exposure and spiralled repetition – giving kids the chance to think fast and trust their brain. That trust is what unlocks real capability.
But when mental maths is ignored or only tested under pressure, children start to doubt themselves. They freeze during tests. They avoid thinking things through and rely on others for answers. Eventually, they start believing they’re “not quick enough” – even though they may be incredibly capable. That’s when fear replaces flexibility… and that confidence gap begins to grow.
The good news? You don’t need flashcards or formal lessons.
Just keep your eyes open for those 5-minute windows: setting the table, walking to the car, cooking dinner. Use them to build brain muscle – and belief.
And if you’re looking for more ways to build this skill every day, download ‘Parent Power Chats’ at www.my5mmt.com/ppc. It’s packed with practical ways to help your child think quickly, clearly and confidently - all in minutes a day.
Because when your child learns to trust their mental maths skills, they carry confidence into every part of life – and ‘Parent Power Chats’ gives you fun, everyday ways to build that superpower in just minutes a day.
