For many people, math is something to be avoided, dreaded, and farmed out to someone else. Many of s struggled through math in school with the fuzzy question, "When am I ever going to use this stuff?" It’s hard to imagine, as a young person, what purpose math could ever actually serve in life.

But it does serve a purpose. As adults we know that logical thinking, problem solving, and even basic addition and subtraction are necessary in everyday life. And so, to our horror, we find ourselves urging and prodding our own children to work harder at math. Because it matters.

You want our kids to be good at math, but how do you help them? Try these ideas to help your child.

Make it Fun, Make it Relaxed

If math is something your child has already learned to hate, it’s time to pull back a little and find a way to make it fun. I know, I know, you’re already struggling and crying over daily math homework, but if you as the parent can adjust your attitude just a little, it can go a long way towards helping your child. Instead of focusing so intently on getting every answer right, try laughing over how silly the questions are. Try drawing out pictures on a separate sheet of paper to get a visual of what the problem is really asking, and while you’re drawing, make silly monsters or crazy-haired old men as the characters. Take turns reading the problems in silly voices. Add a yummy snack - maybe a pile of M&M’s, and every time a problem is solved, you both get to eat one. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of becoming intense and worried over math homework, especially when your child gets older and has more and more to do. Make sure your child is comfortable asking for your help. Don’t yell or act frustrated when your child doesn’t understand. He’s already frustrated; he doesn’t need your disappointment to add to it. Just gently laugh, cozy up, and try to solve the problems together.