Simple Education

Make Math Homework a Habit: If you are looking to get a good idea on the amount of homework your teenager has in their math class, have them bring their book home, every night.  Make it a rule in your home, whether they have homework or not, the math book comes home.  You will be able to judge for yourself how much there is and how well they are doing it on a daily basis.

Is the Math Homework Done? Teenagers hate this, but as the parent you have to stick to your guns.  Check their homework every night.  If they said they did it in class, have your teen show it to you.  Do not let them teen argue with you about it or try to distract you.  There will be a lot of work and commitment by you, but having your teen succeed in math will be worth it.

Quiz Your Teenager About Their Math Homework: As a parent, you need to keep their minds focused on math.  Occasionally, throw a pop quiz at them just to keep them on their toes.  Most math books have the answers in the back of the book.  Have your teen do a problem or two by working them out in front of you.  You do not have to know how they did it, just that they got the same answer as the back of the book.

Keep a Routine With Math Homework: Once you establish the routine of math work being done at home, you can start to relax.  As with many things, setting up the routine early with your child helps them establish good study habits.  So know that your time committed to your child every evening will pay dividends later.  Fights will be avoided and a good math homework routine will have made your teen a success.

Show Them Their Math Assignments In Black and White: Sometimes teens are just too busy or their brains are just too involved to stay organized.  Consider setting up a notebook at home with your teen’s homework assignments.  Log when they are due and the grade they got on their assignment.  This way you can help your teen stay organized and you both get a visual tool to chart their success.

Talk With Their Math Teacher: I have yet come across a teacher who says “do not communicate with me.”  Every teacher is invested in your teenager’s success.  This is a team effort and all parties need to be communicating with each other.  Most teachers have an email address and welcome correspondence from their students’ parents.  If you have a concern, send them a note.

Take The Time With Your Math Student: Behind successful students is a parent who took the time to spend with them.  Every evening, sit down with your student and help them succeed.  You will be rewarded with a teenager who has better grades and more self-confidence.