When a child is stuck, it is tempting to explain the whole method straight away. Sometimes that helps. Often, a better first move is a calm prompt that helps the child find one part they can do.
Start with what they notice
Ask your child to read the question, circle important numbers or describe the picture. This slows the task down and gives the brain something concrete to hold.
- What do you already know?
- Can you draw it or make it smaller?
- Which part of the question tells you what to do?
- What is one answer that would be too big or too small?
Keep the tone low pressure
Children often hear correction as failure, even when adults mean well. Phrases like "let us find the first step" or "show me the part that makes sense" keep the focus on strategy rather than speed.
Avoid the rescue habit
If you give the full answer every time, your child may learn to wait. Give just enough help for the next attempt.