This Mother’s Day, Skip the Flowers… Try a Maths Night Instead

We love our mums. They do everything for us, from helping with homework to keeping life running smoothly behind the scenes.

So this Mother’s Day, instead of just the usual gifts, why not do something a little different?

Plan a Mum and Me Maths Night. It is fun, interactive, and a great way to spend quality time together. There might even be a bit of friendly competition along the way.

No pressure. No worksheets. Just laughs, challenges, and a few “wait… how did you do that?” moments.

How to Set It Up

All you need is:

• A timer
• Some paper and pens
• A few simple questions
• And of course, Mum

You can play at the kitchen table, on the couch, or even on the floor with snacks nearby. Keep it relaxed and fun. The goal is not perfection, it is participation.

Game 1: Who’s Smarter Than Mum?

Set a timer for one minute.

Take turns asking each other quick maths questions. Think simple but fast:

• 7 × 8
• 45 + 27
• 100 ÷ 4

Each correct answer is one point.

At the end of the minute, see who wins. Kids love trying to beat Mum… and mums are usually better than expected.

Game 2: Build the Biggest Number

Each player writes down four random digits between 1 and 9.

For example: 3, 7, 2, 9

Now use all four digits to make the biggest number possible.

Is it 9732? Or can someone do better?

Take it up a level by turning it into a decimal or even creating an equation.

Game 3: The 24 Challenge

Pick any four numbers.

The goal is to use all four numbers to make 24 using any operations.

For example:
4, 4, 6, 2
(4 × 6) = 24, then use the others creatively

There is often more than one answer, which makes it even more fun.

Game 4: Real Life Maths

Give Mum a challenge she actually uses every day.

For example:
“You have $50 to plan a movie night. Snacks, drinks, and a movie. What do you choose?”

Or:
“We need to leave at 6:30pm and it takes 25 minutes to get there. What time do we leave?”

This is where maths really comes to life.

Add a Sweet Finish

After all that thinking, it is time for something sweet.

Keep it simple this year. Even something like decorating store-bought cupcakes works perfectly.

Here is a quick maths twist:
If you have 12 cupcakes and 3 people, how many does each person get?

And more importantly… does Mum get extra?

Why This Matters

Moments like this do more than just practise maths.

They build confidence.
They show kids that making mistakes is okay.
They turn learning into something positive.

And most importantly, they create memories.

Give It a Go This Mother’s Day

You do not need anything fancy. Just a bit of time, a few questions, and a willingness to have fun together.

Because sometimes the best gift is not something you buy.

It is time spent laughing, learning, and maybe even beating Mum at maths… if you can.