Math homework may come with a distinct challenge. Unfortunately, it often causes both parents and children headaches.
As Math is made of building blocks, it’s important for children to understand each concept in order to be able to move forward. Once they miss something, you might need to step in and help. But moms typically struggle to answer children’s questions because they didn’t learn the same way. However, you shouldn’t worry! With the help of tips given below, you can still ensure that your child deals with their math homework.
5 tips for moms
Have the right mindset
Making a lot of mistakes is inevitable while learning Math. They are an essential part of gaining new skills. Mistakes are not a bad thing since they promote the development process. Therefore, give your child positive messages and explain that it is okay to fail. Reinforce an optimistic attitude for overcoming obstacles.
Motivate kids by emphasizing how important Math is in everyday life. You can do it by pointing out each time you are using mathematics in budgeting, baking, balancing your checkbook, and in other everyday activities. This way, you can help your child develop the right mindset toward math, which is probably the most important thing to work hard on this subject.
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Try online resources
Today, there are numerous web resources you can take advantage of while helping your child with math homework. Each time you face difficulties with a topic, you can find how to solve it online using the following tools:
K-5 Math Teaching Resources. Here you can find games and activities for each math standard, so kids can better understand things taught at schools. Choose what you need from different categories, such as number sense, measurement, geometry, or data, and let your child practice different concepts.
Learn Zillion. On this website, you can access videos that teach Math in short student-centered lessons. Their format can teach both you and your child how to understand fundamental ideas and strategies.
Khan Academy. This online platform is focused on interactive videos and exercises that support kids’ learning at their own pace. They offer quite simple activities for children to do on their own. At the same time, they are challenging enough to learn more.
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Find external help
Sometimes, it’s impossible to provide particular help to your child. In such cases, you can talk to a teacher, or take your kid to an after-school homework club. Individual tutoring could be also an option for you as it’s one of the most effective ways to receive help. However, it may be too expensive. Hence, you can use professional services to assist with certain types of tasks. Personally, I asked to do my calculus homework for me at the leading US service. It’s easy to find one on the Internet and ask professional teachers to explain Math concepts that are hard to understand for you or to do complicated assignments. Studying can become much more enjoyable if you know where to find external help for your kids.
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Use samples
Once you face a problem that you cannot solve, find another sample of it. You can analyze the process of solving and just follow it. Don’t forget to make notes of each step as you work your way through a riddle together with your child. Thus, a kid will remember how to do it alone. Moreover, you can take it to the teacher and ask if there is something to improve in the process. Also, the teacher will see the efforts made by you both and appreciate your attempts even if the solution is wrong. 
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Make a schedule
Create a weekly plan with a set time for Math homework. Learning must have a system to be productive, so it’s better to practice every day. Add some exciting activities and play dates to your schedule so there will be a balance. This way, your child won’t complain when the time to sit down and study comes. To encourage a kid to stick to a plan, make it look fun. You can print it and decorate it together by adding cute stickers or stamps.
In general, think of yourself as a guide rather than a teacher when you help your child with their math homework. Don’t allow kids to think that you can solve all the problems for them, as it’s really impossible. Instead, encourage them not to give up. To make your child’s education effective, talk to them while doing homework, make sure they understand the directions and support with inspiring words.
Author’s BIO
Emma Rundle is a school tutor with rich experience. She believes that teaching is the most rewarding job. Emma loves her work as while teaching she can learn more new things about both her subject and people.
