Why My Toddler Hates Counting and Why That’s Totally Okay!

“Can you count to ten?” It’s a question we’ve all heard (or asked) at some point.

And when your toddler shrugs, runs off, or shouts “NO!” instead of proudly reciting numbers like the kid on Instagram, it can leave you wondering:

“Should I be worried? Are they falling behind?”

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to panic. In fact, your child might already be building strong maths foundations — even if they never say a number out loud.

Counting ≠ Understanding Maths

Counting out loud is just one piece of the puzzle.

Early maths isn’t about reciting number words like a parrot. It’s about exploring patterns, comparing, problem-solving, and making sense of the world — using all five senses.

Your child might “hate” counting because:

• They’re not ready to verbalise it yet (language and number development don’t always grow at the same pace)

• They prefer moving, building, sorting, climbing, or playing imaginatively

• They’ve sensed that counting is being “tested” – and that’s not fun!

Real-Life Maths: It’s Happening All the Time

Here’s the surprising bit: your child is probably already doing maths in their own way.

Have you seen them:

• Line up cars in a perfect row?

• Choose the “biggest” banana from the fruit bowl?

• Clap along to a beat?

• Fill every cup in their tea set before you can blink?

That’s maths.

• Lining = ordering and matching

• Size-choosing = comparing quantities

• Clapping = pattern recognition

• Pouring = measuring and estimation

These moments are rich, meaningful, and far more valuable than counting to 20 without understanding what it means.

Curious about what maths looks like without worksheets?

Come try a free Captain Number session in Chelmsford and see how maths, movement, and imagination can come together for 2 to 5-year-olds.

👉 Join our September waiting list here