Tips for Subtracting the Stress: Helping Kids Master One of Math’s Toughest Challenges" — From a Tutor’s Desk

After more than a decade running my tutoring company and sitting side-by-side with countless students, I can confidently tell you this: subtraction is harder than most people remember. Especially when borrowing comes into play, even confident kids can suddenly feel lost.

I’ll never forget working with a fifth-grader named Jacob — a bright, funny kid who loved science but absolutely dreaded subtraction. His mom came to me worried because every time homework involved multi-digit subtraction, the frustration levels shot through the roof. She’d hear the same thing over and over:

"Why do we even need this? It doesn’t make sense!"

When I sat down with Jacob, it was clear — the root of his struggle was regrouping. Borrowing felt mysterious and unpredictable to him, especially when he had to borrow more than once across zeros. Numbers moved in ways he couldn’t visualize, and it left him feeling defeated.

The Moment it Clicked: Turning Numbers into a Story

I knew we needed to slow things down and make subtraction less abstract. So, I pulled out a number line — simple, visual, non-threatening.

We started thinking about subtraction differently. Instead of "taking away," I asked Jacob to think about how far apart two numbers were. If you’re at 74 and you want to get to 132, how many steps would it take? Suddenly, subtraction became a journey, not a fight.

We used real-life examples too — counting change from a $20 bill after buying snacks, or figuring out how many more points his favorite team needed to win. These small, relatable moments helped Jacob realize that subtraction isn’t just numbers on paper — it’s problem-solving we use every single day.

The Power of Checking Work (and Building Confidence!)

One of the biggest turning points came when I taught Jacob the "reverse check" trick:👉 If A - B = C, then B + C should equal A.

Once he realized subtraction could be double-checked with addition — a skill he was far more comfortable with — his confidence soared. It gave him control. Mistakes became less scary because now he had a way to catch them and fix them himself.

My Recommendations for Parents of Students Struggling with Subtraction:

✅ Use number lines or counters to visualize subtraction as "finding the difference" instead of just "taking away."

✅ Make subtraction real — use money, groceries, or sports scores to show how subtraction solves everyday problems.

✅ Teach the reverse check method — it not only boosts accuracy but reinforces addition skills at the same time.

✅ Be patient with regrouping — it’s one of the hardest concepts. Break it down step by step and practice borrowing in isolation first.

A Word of Encouragement for Parents:

Subtraction is tricky because it’s more than just numbers — it’s decision-making, regrouping, and attention to detail. But here’s the good news: every time your child practices subtraction, they’re building critical problem-solving muscles that will serve them for life — from balancing a bank account to cooking a family meal.

Progress may feel slow at first, but subtraction is one of those skills that clicks when the brain is ready. Keep showing up. Keep practicing. One day, like Jacob, your child will surprise you — not just with the right answer, but with the quiet confidence that comes from solving a tough problem on their own.

And as a teacher, I can tell you — that moment is always worth the wait.

Learn More about My Math Tutoring Services

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CONTACT Raff-A+Matics

Phone: (1)847-710-7207

Email:  raffamaticstutors@gmail.com

At Raff-A+Matics Tutoring, your first 15-minute introductory meeting is not only informative but also completely free, allowing you to experience our personalized approach to education and to set up a progressive path to meet individual goals!