Shabby Chic Boho Math is one of those vital life skills that a lot of children struggle with. It can feel intimidating andboring to them, and this is not helped by the often dry way that it is taught using worksheets and timed tests, right?
It can be a really worry for you, as a parent when math just isn’t clicking with your kids because you know how important it is for their future and their ability to get a good job that they love, but you need not panic just yet because thee are lots of fun things you can do with your kid to help improvetheir mathematical skills, and because they’re fun, they’re more likely to stick. So, let’s take a look at some of them right now, shall we?
Turn Math Into a Game Night Staple
Games are one of the most effective ways to sneak math into your child’s routine. Board games, card games, and dice games naturally involve counting, probability, strategy, and mental arithmetic.
Simple card games help younger children practice number recognition and addition, while more complex games encourage planning and logical thinking. Even games inspired by adult classics, like simplified versions of poker (which can also be played online), can introduce older kids to concepts such as probability, pattern recognition, and strategic decision-making in a playful, age-appropriate way.
Use Everyday Life as a Math Classroom
Some of the best math lessons happen outside the classroom. Cooking, shopping, and even cleaning offer endless opportunities to practice math skills in context.
In the kitchen, kids can measure ingredients, double recipes, or divide portions equally. At the grocery store, they can estimate totals, compare prices, and calculate discounts. These activities show kids that math isn’t just abstract numbers on a page, but a useful tool for everyday problem-solving.
Make Math Physical and Hands-On
Many children learn best when they can move, touch, and experiment. Hands-on math activities help make abstract concepts more concrete and memorable.
Use objects like coins, blocks, or beads to demonstrate counting, grouping, and basic operations. For younger kids, jumping, clapping, or tossing a ball while counting can help reinforce number sequences. Physical engagement keeps kids interested and helps them associate math with movement and fun rather than frustration.
Introduce Math Through Puzzles and Brain Teasers
Puzzles are fantastic for developing mathematical thinking. Jigsaw puzzles, logic puzzles, and number-based riddles encourage kids to analyze patterns, think critically, and persist through challenges.
Sudoku-style puzzles, number grids, and matching games help strengthen reasoning skills and attention to detail. These activities teach kids that math often involves exploration and creativity, not just finding the “right” answer as quickly as possible.
Use Technology Wisely
Educational apps and games can be powerful tools when used thoughtfully. Many digital platforms turn math practice into interactive experiences with rewards, levels, and challenges that keep kids motivated.
The key here is balance. Choose apps that encourage thinking rather than rote repetition, and set clear time limits so screen time remains healthy. When used correctly, technology can complement hands-on learning rather than replace it.
Encourage Math Talk at Home
Talking about math helps children understand it more deeply. Ask open-ended questions like “How did you figure that out?” or “Is there another way to solve this?” These conversations encourage kids to explain their thinking and build confidence in their reasoning.
Normalize making mistakes during these discussions. When kids see that errors are part of learning, they’re more willing to try new strategies and take intellectual risks.
Turn Challenges Into Adventures
Reframing math challenges as adventures or quests can make a huge difference in how kids perceive them. Instead of saying, “You need to practice multiplication,” try, “Let’s see how fast we can crack this number code.”
Creating small goals, challenges, or story-based problems gives kids a sense of purpose and excitement. They’re no longer just solving problems; they’re completing missions.
Build Strong Number Sense Early
Number sense is the foundation of mathematical confidence. It includes understanding how numbers relate to each other, estimating quantities, and recognizing patterns.
Play games that involve guessing amounts, comparing sizes, or predicting outcomes. Ask kids to estimate before counting and celebrate close guesses. This helps them develop intuition around numbers rather than relying solely on memorization.
Celebrate Progress, Not Just Correct Answers
Focusing only on correct answers can make kids anxious and discourage experimentation. Instead, praise effort, persistence, and creative thinking.
When kids feel safe to try without fear of failure, they’re more likely to engage deeply with math. Highlight improvements, even small ones, and remind them that learning is a process.
Encourage Strategic Thinking Through Play
Strategy-based games help kids develop advanced math-related skills such as planning ahead, weighing up options, and understanding consequences. These skills are closely tied to higher-level math and problem-solving.
Games that involve risk and reward, probability, and pattern recognition encourage kids to think several steps ahead. Over time, this kind of thinking strengthens their ability to approach complex problems with confidence.
Make Math Social
Learning doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Playing games, solving puzzles, or working on challenges together helps kids see math as a shared experience rather than an isolated task.
Sibling challenges, family game nights, or collaborative problem-solving build communication skills alongside mathematical ones. Kids often learn faster when they can talk through ideas with others.
Show a Positive Attitude Toward Math
Kids pick up on adult attitudes quickly. If they hear phrases like “I was never good at math,” they may internalize the idea that math ability is fixed rather than learnable.
Model curiosity and patience when dealing with numbers. Even if math wasn’t your favorite subject, showing a willingness to learn alongside your child sends a powerful message.
When learning feels like play, it is much easier for kids to engage, and when they engage, they pick stuff up whether they realize it or not, so by having mathematical fun with your kids, you really can support them on their journey to better understanding, and it will work!
Featured image” Photo by Yan Krukau: https://www.pexels.com/photo/student-standing-beside-a-chalkboard-8617644/
