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Parents’ top tips for surviving homework… without tears

by: The GreatSchools Editorial Team | Updated: September 26, 2023

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Struggling with your child over math, science, and reading homework every night ranks high on most parents’ Least-Favorite list. And yet the work must be done in order for the child to succeed in school. How is a parent to cope?

Most parents have discovered common-sense tactics, such as:

• Have a consistent time and place for your child to study.
• Be available without taking over.
• Let your child makes choices and set goals by herself.
• Keep the communication channels open, including parent-child and parent-school.

You can read many good articles about homework on our website under the topic “Homework.” But we also wanted to find out about surviving homework from a group of seasoned experts: the parents who visit our website! They shared unusual, fun, and out-of-the-box thinking about homework. Here are their top eight tips:

Get a study buddy.

K. Eggenberger says, “My daughter seems to work much better with a ‘study buddy.’ She is a visual learner, so taking a cue from a peer seems to be successful for her. Kasey homeschools but attends a school funded by our school district to help support her homeschooling. She has some breaks in between her classes where she has an opportunity to work with fellow students. She also has three friends that we get together with a few times a week. It has worked out beautifully.”

Play school.

Kristie Hanrahan advises, “I have our 5-year-old son play the role of the teacher. First he tells us about his day. Then we go over the homework together. I act as though I don’t understand, and he ‘teaches me’ and shows me by doing the homework. We get it done, and he feels so proud of his work.” This is a clever way to coax a person of any age (including an adult) to synthesize and demonstrate her learning.

Make it fun.

“Making it fun,” says Valerie Lee, “lets them have that feeling of ownership. For example, most kids have difficult time learning beginning math. I put out fish crackers as an aid. The kids get to eat the fish crackers when learning subtraction, which you can reinforce by putting fish crackers into their lunch pails. (You can also use gummy bears, grapes, strips of cheese, or anything that your child likes.) “Find alternatives when homework is difficult for them. Some kids are more visual learners, so use crayons or colored pencils to diagram what they’re reading. Think of clever ways to learn — but don’t force it.”

Susan Penny’s top tip is innovation. She says, “You can help your child by using innovative ways of learning and teaching — the more creative and kooky, the better. When memorizing spelling words, for example, I put a sheet of sandpaper under the notebook paper and have my child write the words using a crayon. The bumpy texture appeals to the sense of touch and affects memory differently.” Susan suggests other ways to use the sense of touch and movement. “Finger-paint the spelling words. Or place a thin layer of sand on a cookie sheet or tray with sides, and write the words in the sand. The child can also use his index finger to write in the air or on a wall. This uses whole-arm motions. “For math, we use tons of homemade index/ flash cards, too. All of these ways I consider innovative — and I never give up.”

Chart your child’s learning.

Sometimes it’s hard for the child (as well as the parent) to grasp his or her progress, when peers in school may be sailing along faster. You can help everybody by charting your child’s learning — make it visual. That’s what Michelle AuCoin does for her son. “I make a progress chart to show where he is now, where he needs to be, and how long it will take him to get there. Then I always plan an incentive at the end for completing the task.”

Take advantage of technology.

Patsy Campbell advises making the computer your ally. “If your child is forgetful and ‘homework-challenged,’ putting her behind, I strongly suggest a meeting with the teacher to discuss using email. Most kids and teachers today have an email address. Have your child be his own advocate, emailing the teacher for homework or for missing assignments. “Decide a workable solution with the teacher as to what would be allowable for late homework. Also ask the teacher to assist in showing your child how to keep up and organize homework, which is really the bigger problem for most kids today. “The computer can be of great assistance in this area. Most computers have a calendar, so kids can learn to schedule homework that is due on that calendar. Getting into the habit of checking their calendar may become as great as checking their emails!”

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Homework without tears: 12 homework tips for parents.

Summer is over and schools are in session which means families are getting back into weeknight routines and dusting off their homework skills. 

Luckily those negative aspects are preventable by making homework an important priority for your family and trying out these 12 helpful homework tips:

1. Limit Distractions. Create a homework zone for your students that is away from the T.V. and other places where there could be distractions such as pets, people coming and going and loud noises.

2. Provide Tools. Make sure the materials your student may need are readily available. It’s helpful to have a stash of pencils, pens, a dictionary, etc. available. Check in regularly and make sure that any special materials needed for class projects are provided so their work won’t be disturbed.

3. Help Manage Time. Establish a set time for doing homework. Don’t wait until just before bedtime to do homework when students are tired and easily distracted. Think about using a weekend morning or afternoon for working on big projects, especially if the project involves getting together with other classmates.

4. Be Positive. The attitude you express toward homework will be the same attitude your child acquires. Make it a habit to tell your child that the work they’re doing is important.

5. Do YOUR Homework Too. Show that the skills they’re learning are related to things you also do as an adult. If your student is reading, you could be reading too. If your student is practicing math, you could balance your checkbook.

6. Teach Don’t Tell.  It’s important that when asked for help you give guidance but not answers, that way your student learns the material and concepts. Remember that a lot can be learned from struggle and that too much help can teach your child that when the going gets rough, someone will do the work for them.

7. Cooperate. Teachers will often ask that you play a role in your child’s homework. Make sure you’re being an advocate for the teacher and follow their direction so you can show that school and home are a team.

8. Foster Independence. Some homework is really intended for students to do alone. Homework is a great way for kids to develop independence and accountability for lifelong learning skills.

9. Communicate. Make sure you talk to your child’s teacher and understand the purpose of homework and what the class rules are.

10. Build Metacognitive Skills. Help your child decide what homework is hard and what is easy, then encourage them to work on the hard stuff first so they’re most alert for challenging work.

11. Set Break Time. Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. Let your child take a short break if they’re is having trouble keeping their mind on the assignment. Build perseverance but set time limits to avoid burnout.

12. Reward Progress and Effort. When your child has been successful and is working hard, celebrate success with a special event to reinforce positive effort. 

How Much is Really Enough?

These numbers are estimates and the actual time doing homework at night can vary with each child’s motivation and interest level.

• K-2: 10-20 Minutes
• 3-6: 30-60 Minutes
• Mid/High School: 60 Minutes,but varies greatly based on class load

Different Types of Homework

Not all homework is equal! It’s important to know the type of homework your child’s teacher has assigned  and what their homework policy is. Here are four examples of homework you might see this year:

1. Practice Homework. Just like it sounds, this type of homework is designed to help your student learn and remember key concepts taught in the classroom.

2. Preparation Homework. This homework consists of material that hasn’t been taught in the classroom just yet, so these assignments are designed to introduce your child to the content that will help them acquire concepts taught later on in class.

3. Extension Homework. Students are asked to apply their skills to other content or a special project in this homework style that is usually assigned over a period of time.

4. Integration Homework. This homework is similar to extension, but often results in a class presentation or event like a science fair.

Helpful Websites for Parents

Many of us go to the internet when we want to help our students with homework or to play educational games, but with so many websites to choose from it can be difficult to identify the most high-quality resources. Here are few resources you and your student can use at home:

• Calculation Nation - This site was developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and uses interactive games organized around upper elementary and middle grades math curriculum. Students will need to establish an account to play online with games that promote learning and practice with fractions, factors, multiples, and more.
• The California Math Council - This resource offers a section dedicated to free math education articles and activities for students from pre-K through high school.
• Thinkfinity - Thousands of math focused resources have been screened by educators to ensure accurate content and up-to-date information is made available for students. Resources are even grouped by grade and subject area to make finding resources simple!
• Figure This! -  Primarily focused on middle school students, Figure This! provides math challenges for students and families.
• The Math Forum -  This interactive site gives families the option to “ Ask Dr. Math ”, take on an internet math hunt or compete in one of the many weekly and monthly math challenges based on grade level.
• Illustrative Mathematics - Visit this site to find mathematical tasks that closely illustrate all of the Common Core Standards for each grade.
• Nat’l Library of Virtual Manipulatives - This site is home to hundreds of virtual manipulatives sorted by grade level and interactive tutorials that engage students in algebra, geometry, probability and measurement. Nat’l Library of Virtual Manipulatives promotes three key areas of mathematics: procedural skills, conceptual understanding and problem solving.

While the internet is a great place for students to find important resources for their homework assignments and motivation, not all sites are the same. It is imperative that children are taught internet safety and how to access quality resources. Ensure that your kids are responsible and safe with their internet usage!

Has your teacher assigned ST Math as homework? Read our Parent's Guide to ST Math at Home .

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Battles Over Homework: Advice For Parents

Guidelines for helping children develop self-discipline with their homework..

Posted September 5, 2012 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

I would like to offer some advice about one of the most frequent problems presented to me in over 30 years of clinical practice: battles over homework. I have half-jokingly told many parents that if the schools of New York State no longer required homework, our children’s education would suffer (slightly). But, as a child psychologist, I would be out of business.

Many parents accept this conflict with their children as an unavoidable consequence of responsible parenting . These battles, however, rarely result in improved learning or performance in school. More often than not, battles over homework lead to vicious cycles of nagging by parents and avoidance or refusal by children, with no improvement in a child’s school performance. And certainly no progress toward what should be our ultimate goals : helping children enjoy learning and develop age-appropriate discipline and independence with respect to their schoolwork.

Before I present a plan for reducing battles over homework, it is important to begin with this essential reminder:

The solution to the problem of homework always begins with an accurate diagnosis and a recognition of the demands placed on your child. Parents should never assume that a child who resists doing homework is “lazy.”

Every child whose parents or teachers report ongoing resistance to completing schoolwork or homework; every child whose performance in school is below expectations based on his parents’ or teachers’ intuitive assessment of his intellectual potential; and every child who, over an extended period of time, complains that he “hates school” or “hates reading,” should be evaluated for the presence of an attention or learning disorder.

These children are not lazy. Your child may be anxious, frustrated, discouraged, distracted, or angry—but this is not laziness. I frequently explain to parents that, as a psychologist, the word lazy is not in my dictionary. Lazy, at best, is a description, not an explanation.

For children with learning difficulties, doing their homework is like running with a sprained ankle: It is possible, although painful, and he will look for ways to avoid or postpone this painful and discouraging task.

A Homework Plan

Homework, like any constructive activity, involves moments of frustration, discouragement, and anxiety . If you begin with some appreciation of your child’s frustration and discouragement, you will be better able to put in place a structure that helps him learn to work through his frustration—to develop increments of frustration tolerance and self-discipline.

I offer families who struggle with this problem a Homework Plan:

• Set aside a specified, and limited, time for homework. Establish, early in the evening, a homework hour.
• For most children, immediately after school is not the best time for homework. This is a time for sports, for music and drama, and free play.
• During the homework hour, all electronics are turned off—for the entire family.
• Work is done in a communal place, at the kitchen or dining room table. Contrary to older conventional wisdom , most elementary school children are able to work more much effectively in a common area, with an adult and even other children present, than in the “quiet” of their rooms.
• Parents may do their own ”homework” during this time, but they are present and continually available to help, to offer encouragement, and to answer children’s questions. Your goal is to create, to the extent possible, a library atmosphere in your home, again, for a specified and limited period of time. Ideally, therefore, parents should not make or receive telephone calls during this hour. And when homework is done, there is time for play.
• Begin with a reasonable, a doable, amount of time set aside for homework. If your child is unable to work for 20 minutes, begin with 10 minutes. Then try 15 minutes in the next week. Acknowledge every increment of effort, however small.
• Be positive and give frequent encouragement. Make note of every improvement, not every mistake.
• Be generous with your praise. Praise their effort, not their innate ability. But do not be afraid of praise.
• Anticipate setbacks. After a difficult day, reset for the following day.
• Give them time. A child’s difficulty completing homework begins as a problem of frustration and discouragement, but it is then complicated by defiant attitudes and feelings of unfairness. A homework plan will begin to reduce these defiant attitudes, but this will not happen overnight.

Most families have found these suggestions helpful, especially for elementary school children. Establishing a homework hour allows parents to move away from a language of threats (“If you don’t__ you won’t be able to__”) to a language of opportunities (“When” or “As soon as” you have finished__ we’ll have a chance to__”).

Of course, for many hurried families, there are complications and potential glitches in implementing any homework plan. It is often difficult, with children’s many activities, to find a consistent time for homework. Some flexibility, some amendments to the plan, may be required. But we should not use the complications of scheduling or other competing demands as an excuse, a reason not to establish the structure of a reasonable homework routine.

Copyright Ken Barish, Ph.D.

See Pride and Joy: A Guide to Understanding Your Child’s Emotions and Solving Family Problems .

Kenneth Barish, Ph.D. , is a clinical associate professor of Psychology at Weill Medical College, Cornell University.

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Homework strategies: how to get homework done fast.

Homework isn’t a fun activity for most students, especially when after school, and you have a lot to do. While the idea of doing homework may sound boring and daunting, it helps students achieve their academic dreams to some extent. So, as far as homework is tough, there is no way out other than devising plans of how to handle homework without tears.

The good side is that there are many homework strategies every student can use and do their homework on time and with ease. This guide gives practical insights into how to deal with lots of homework and how you can approach the whole homework concept without hating school.

When is the best time to do homework?

If you are reading this, then you are wondering how to finish assignments in one night because of the activities you have ahead. You want that perfect time you can focus, do your homework, and finish on time without sweating.

The perfect time to do homework depends on the individual student. While some will prefer to do homework early in the evening, some will opt for early morning moments. Therefore, based on your preferences, you can schedule your homework when you are most active and motivated to study. The goal is to attain maximum focus when doing homework.

How to get homework done fast

When you are struggling with an assignment and wondering how to finish homework last minute, try applying the following practical tips, and you will realize how smooth it can be to do homework without tears.

• Create a schedule

When having several tasks to accomplish, creating a schedule will help you manage your time well and do all your assignment on time. As you plan your schedule, prioritize the urgent tasks first. Also, give the complex homework times when you are fully active to enhance a better understanding of a concept.

• Avoid distractions at all costs!

Distractions come in different forms, and distractions can easily make you procrastinate doing homework. For instance, keep off the noise, switch your smartphones and any other smart gadgets off to keep all the focus on homework.

• Have all the materials in place

Before you start working on your homework, make sure you have all the resources you need to give you the ultimate motivation you require. For instance, geometry in the case of math homework under geometry topic, textbooks for references, and other basic stationeries.

• Get a conducive environment

The place you do your homework from can either motivate or de-motivate you. A conducive homework environment should be clean, free from noise, and well-arranged, with appropriate chairs & tables and adequate lighting.

How to get out of doing homework

Some situations can make it hard for you to accomplish your homework and submit it on time. In this case, you will need a proper explanation for late submission or failure to submit your homework to avoid harsh punishment. Therefore, you can do the following as escape measures.

• A hectic home

A hectic and noisy home makes it hard to concentrate and do homework on time. Therefore, giving this excuse is quite practical, and you will get a chance to continue with the assignment when in a better position.

• Too many after-school activities

Of course, having a lot of activities to accomplish moments after school will make it hard to shift the focus to books. Therefore, giving this excuse is valid, and you can catch up with homework later when in a good position.

• Lack of knowledge of the assignment

Again, you can choose to say you didn’t understand the assignment, and you need to seek more clarification or understanding from the teacher.

The idea of doing homework has its advantages and pitfalls. As a student, always look on the positive side of doing homework other than focusing on the negative side. In any case, if you always find it hard to do homework, consider the above strategies, and you will have a different view of the homework concept.

Hand in Hand Parenting

Help for homework tantrums.

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For a number of days in a row, when homework time approached in the evening, my son met it with resistance and frustration. I would see a range of reactions, from announcing that it was boring and he wasn’t going to do it, to kicking and yelling and crying over his homework. I noticed in myself how inflexible I was around homework time – I was frustrated that he wouldn’t just sit down and do the assignments that looked to me like they were easy enough to do with his eyes closed! It got to the point where I could not touch homework time – we just had to wait until my husband got home to do it with him, as he was somehow able to put more play and lightness to it and succeeded in helping our son get it completed. I could see that this was going to be an emotional project for the whole family and needed a new strategy fast.

I started on this issue in my own listening partnerships . I got listening about how frustrating homework was, how intolerable my sons behavior was, especially when it was always topics I know he is good at and have seen him complete with ease! I got listening around how when I was his age homework was easy for me, so why did it have to be such a struggle for him? And finally, how I don’t like that homework even exists! It cuts into our family time in the evenings, and more often than not it IS as boring as my son says it is.

Next, I made a point to do Special Time with my son before my husband got home to do homework with him. Honestly I was happy to do Special Time in place of homework with my son, it was much more enjoyable. We would wrestle, or pillow fight, or play his favorite video game depending on what he would choose. I started to notice that homework time seemed to go much easier when he would get this extra connection. I saw these as little victories along the way, but still I found that writing homework of any kind continued to be a frustrating struggle.

One evening my son pulled out his spelling and writing assignments and asked for my help. He was already upset about the subject of the homework before he even pulled it out of his backpack. I asked him to read me the instructions while I was cooking something in the kitchen. He became more and more distracted and agitated. I told him it was time to stop playing with what he was playing with and sit down to focus on homework. “Then come help me!!” He screamed. He screamed this again, and I put down what I was doing to come in closer to him. He kept yelling “Help me! Help me!” over and over again, and the closer I got to him while offering my help with my words, the louder he yelled it. He was kicking and screaming on the floor and I just continued to say “I am here to help you,” while he continued to scream for help.

This went on for some time and I continued to stay close, holding a gentle arm around his baby brother to make sure he did not accidentally get kicked. I acknowledged that homework was frustrating, that he works really hard all day at school. He screamed and kicked, and cried a small amount. After a while his system began to settle down and relax. He turned to a toy to play with and I let him take his time to play and relax while I went back to the kitchen to cook dinner.

By the time dinner was done, he had returned to the table and quietly completed his homework on his own. He was very proud of his work, and showed me each part.  In these last few weeks, I have continued my connection tools all in combination, and it has meant that I have been able to help him with his homework. He now will often complete it before my husband gets home and we get extra time to play and connect as a whole family.

— Natalie Thiel , Certified  Parenting by Connection  Instructor

If you have challenges around homework or setting limits, consider our online Setting Limits and Building Cooperation course.

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I cried myself to sleep over math homework.

Looking back at how I responded so insensitively to my student who cried during our tutoring session, I’m stunned by my in-the-moment lack of compassion. Because… I cried myself to sleep over my algebra homework throughout most of eighth grade! It’s still vivid in my mind: sitting on my twin bed with my algebra book in my childhood bedroom, with its pink hearts and flowers wallpaper, struggling to finish my homework and crying with sheer frustration.

I loved math as much as any other subject until I hit 6th grade and was introduced to pre-algebra for the first time. Isolating for a variable, balancing an equation, the order of operations—none of this made any sense to me. I would go to my teacher for help, and he would patiently try to explain it to me, but it still didn’t make any sense. I made the same mistakes over and over and over without gaining any understanding or insight.

I have absolutely no memories of seventh grade math, but eighth grade math burns in my memory: sitting in class, trying to do the problems, approaching my teacher’s desk, asking him to explain it to me, dutifully nodding even though I still really didn’t understand, returning to my desk, and feeling overtaken by numb despair.

I’m not sure if his explanations didn’t make sense to me because he always explained everything the same way, or if he had a variety of explanations but none of them clicked with my learning style. He was a sweet, patient man, but his explanations did not help me to learn.

Now that I’m a math tutor, when I remember all those eighth grade nights, crying myself to sleep over my algebra book, I ask myself, why didn’t I think of getting a tutor? I never thought about asking anyone but my math teacher for help. I didn’t ask my friends, I didn’t ask my parents, I didn’t ask other teachers. It never even crossed my mind to try to switch to another teacher, or get another book. Why?

Maybe I wasn’t aware that these options were available. Or maybe I felt somewhere deep inside that, as a student who had a passion for learning and a capable reputation, asking for a tutor would be an admission of defeat. Or maybe it seemed “easier” to think of those nights of algebra tears as isolated incidents instead of taking on the “larger project” of trying to find a better solution for myself.

But paradoxically, I think this experience made me a better tutor. Many of the students who come to me might be completely frustrated and far behind. Maybe they don’t have anyone else they can turn to for help. Maybe they’ve never found a textbook that works with their brain. Maybe they are crying themselves to sleep over their algebra homework. Just like I did.

Related Posts: When Persistence Isn’t Enough The Downside of Always Telling Students To Try Harder The Downside of Always Telling Students To Try Harder (2) Algebra Tears

5 Comments on “I cried myself to sleep over math homework”

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[…] posts: I cried myself to sleep over my math homework On optimal challenge Algebra tears Case study: confused by math instruction in a foreign language […]

I`m doing the math and I got confused then I started to cry.. why? I’m not sure, then I get mad while crying and it gets me nowhere! now if I cant get the math homework done.. I’m gonna fail math class!!! I’m desperate for answers

Hey Olivia, it’s great to “meet” you here! I totally understand what you’re going through because I used to go through it myself. I remember that desperation really vividly. And it absolutely doesn’t have to be that way — my specialty is helping kids going through exactly what you’re going through to really master math and love it so it can be fun and magical. If you would like to connect and explore if the way I work would be a fit to help you make math magical, just have your parents fill out the application here . I’d be happy to connect with them about what you’re going through and if my programs would make sense for your family. Sending you love <3

I’ve always cried on every subject whether it was a test or just class discussion, especially maths, it always kept me stressed and I was always confused and when I did understand I’d immediately forget right after even with hundreds of practice. I believe the stress and anxiety have done that but I guess I’m looking forward to getting help.

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A Parent's Guide to Help Their Kids With Math

Dr. Feenix Pan shares knowledge, skills, and best practices developed over 18 years of helping children and families to turn failure to success and tragedy to triumph. She’ll help you turn math tears to math smiles. 

There is so much that moms and dads can do to help their child succeed in math even if they don't know math themselves.

  ★★★★★  A rare personalized and inspirational math method for both kids and parents!

Math is a part of everything. Whether it's paying bills, calculating tips, shopping, cooking, baking, or different job areas such as construction, engineering, or medicine, math plays a big role. So if math is really so important, why do so many kids hate it? In Math: From Tears to Smiles, A Parent's Guide, Dr. Feenix Pan explores the idea that being good at math is not rooted in memorizing formulas or specific answers, it is the METHOD in which you approach math that matters. With her method, which she calls MAMMA (Math And Managing MathAbility), she outlines how to take kids through their math journey while making them feel significant and loved. She shares her own troubles with math, and how she often had problems with her teachers and work. She stresses the importance of understanding your kid, and how everyone has different learning styles. Of course, there is also mention of the various stages of math work kids go through as their grade progresses. With helpful lists, first hand stories, and personal experiences, Dr. Pan is a helpful and refreshing change in helping your child's math skills.

  ★★★★★   Unique insights into why students struggle with math

Many students and almost all parents need the insights MathAbility provides. The information in the pages of this book will give hope to households struggling with math homework due to missed concepts or simply the fear of a subject that seems so far beyond the grasp of students and even some parents. Even adults who think they understand math frequently cannot pass on their learning to their child either because their technique is different than what is expected in school, or because they simply lack the ability to explain math in the way their child learns. Thankfully, working from a deep understanding of human nature, the author addresses these issues and more. I look forward to perusing her website for more help with MathAbility!

-  C. L. Draughon

  ★★★★★    I wish I had this book a long time ago!

Not only have I read Dr Pan’s book, I have purchased 2 for my children. This is definitely one of those times when you say, “I wish I had this book when I was raising my children!” But now I have grandkids! Dr Pan has a unique insight to helping anyone with math. The book is full of practical insights and helps to put to use immediately, along with guiding for long term goals. The roadmap alone has given me knowledge and language for great chats with my adult children and my grandkids. My grandkids are from birth to high school, and because of the roadmap, I know exactly where they are in their math journey. I can chat with them (and their parents) about what is most important in each phase and how to avoid the most common pitfalls. I’ve been able to share fun tips on things like how to take a test or how to ask better questions in class. All of which gives them more confidence and it’s really fun for me! I realize now that any child can succeed in math. So many times when a child gets stuck, they never know why and just figure they are not good at math, when that is not the problem at all! I'm excited to be a part of my grandkids math journey and help encourage them. 

-  Lori Rogers

  ★★★★★    Should be a in every house as a Math homework tool

I wish I had this book sooner! I have 4 kids and all of them have struggled at some point during their Math education. My youngest (age 10) is able to benefit from parents who are more patient and can help her better understand Math concepts without fights and tears at the homework table. Our older 3 kids are not able to benefit from this book directly but once they have kids of their own, this book should be in their homework toolbox.

- saferhomemom

  ★★★★★    Useful and entertaining guide

Dr. Pan’s book is filled with delightfully written insights and examples of how to achieve success in math…and beyond! She shares her knowledge with warmth and intelligence, giving a variety of concrete illustrations of the many important roles math plays in our lives. As a parent and educator I only wish I had had this information earlier while raising my children (now grown), as well as an instructional tool to help guide my students at all stages of learning, elementary through college level. Also, parents should note that this guide is perfectly suitable for those who may be as baffled by math as are their children.

-  Michael and Lesli Hanby

  ★★★★★  Insightful and interesting!

Through her innovative concept of MathAbility, Dr. Pan presents a thoughtful, concise, and down-to-earth approach to understanding math. It’s apparent from her writing that Dr. Pan is an excellent teacher/coach with an innate ability to connect with others. Rooted in her understanding of human nature, she patiently—and with well-placed touches of humor—demonstrates the “non-math” issues that commonly underline math struggles, and offers practical, sustainable solutions. Very well-structured with a logical flow, this book should be a welcome addition to any household where people young or old struggle with math. It is a true gift.

-  J. R. Smith

★★★★★   A breath of fresh air!!

Dr. Pan offers a unique and very helpful approach to mastering math in a meaningful manner focusing on individual differences in learning styles. Dr. Pan's suggestions offer a breath of fresh air to a topic that can elicit so much stress and anxiety for all involved. I wish I had the privilege of this support as I struggled with math many years ago but will look forward to recommending this valuable resource to many families as a very worthwhile and useful tool for math instruction that truly works! Thank you Dr. Pan for sharing your special gift with us!

-  D.Hecht

★★★★★   Where was this when I needed it?

I always struggled with math in high school. I liked it, but it never made sense. The concept of "developing math ability" is a key concept that most parents should understand vs getting great grades. As a parent, I now have a better understanding that math is systematic and based on building blocks. As a result, I'm better prepared to help my kids build the "math ability" they will need to be successful. Overall, this is a must-read for any parent to better understand how to help their children succeed with math.

- Brian Ramirez

★★★★★   Presents a clear guide for parents to help their children with math.

I struggled with math after middle school. I now know why. I was frustrated and on my own when trying to learn. This is an excellent guide for parents because it explains how to build, and maintain, good math skills. Math is everywhere. There are ideas on how to incorporate learning in day to day activities. This is a great book for helping young people ( and anyone wanting to learn math at an older age) be successful.

-  Amazon Customer

★★★★★   Personable

This wonderful book is written as if Dr. Pan and the reader are sitting at a kitchen table. I especially like the way she used examples from her own life, which makes her very human, as well as experiences of her clients, which demonstrates the process is genuine and impactful. I wish Dr. Pan had been around when I needed her. If I could do it all over again, I would turn to Dr. Pan for the help I needed for inspiration and achievement.

-  annie

About Dr. Pan

I’m Dr. Feenix Pan. I struggled in math early on when growing up in rural China, but overcame these struggles with help from caring teachers and went to obtain a Master’ s degree in Electrical Engineering (University of Wisconsin-Madison), a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in Optical Science (University of Arizona). After my studies, all I wanted to do was unlock the code, find the missing ingredient and spot the pattern for kids with big dreams and fears of math.

"Part biography, part parenting guide, and 100% about convincing you that your child can succeed in math."

— Amy Bhola M.Ed, Board Ex-President, Catalina Foothills School District

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Free Math Worksheets — Over 100k free practice problems on Khan Academy

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• Prepare for the 2020 AP®︎ Statistics Exam
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• AP Calculus AB solved free response questions from past exams
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• Integrals review
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• Integrating multivariable functions
• Green’s, Stokes’, and the divergence theorems
• First order differential equations
• Second order linear equations
• Laplace transform
• Vectors and spaces
• Matrix transformations
• Alternate coordinate systems (bases)

Frequently Asked Questions about Khan Academy and Math Worksheets

Why is khan academy even better than traditional math worksheets.

Khan Academy’s 100,000+ free practice questions give instant feedback, don’t need to be graded, and don’t require a printer.

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What are teachers saying about Khan Academy’s interactive math worksheets?

“My students love Khan Academy because they can immediately learn from their mistakes, unlike traditional worksheets.”

Is Khan Academy free?

Khan Academy’s practice questions are 100% free—with no ads or subscriptions.

What do Khan Academy’s interactive math worksheets cover?

Our 100,000+ practice questions cover every math topic from arithmetic to calculus, as well as ELA, Science, Social Studies, and more.

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Khan Academy is a nonprofit with a mission to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

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What can QuickMath do?

QuickMath will automatically answer the most common problems in algebra, equations and calculus faced by high-school and college students.

• The algebra section allows you to expand, factor or simplify virtually any expression you choose. It also has commands for splitting fractions into partial fractions, combining several fractions into one and cancelling common factors within a fraction.
• The equations section lets you solve an equation or system of equations. You can usually find the exact answer or, if necessary, a numerical answer to almost any accuracy you require.
• The inequalities section lets you solve an inequality or a system of inequalities for a single variable. You can also plot inequalities in two variables.
• The calculus section will carry out differentiation as well as definite and indefinite integration.
• The matrices section contains commands for the arithmetic manipulation of matrices.
• The graphs section contains commands for plotting equations and inequalities.
• The numbers section has a percentages command for explaining the most common types of percentage problems and a section for dealing with scientific notation.

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MATH: From Tears to Smiles, A Parent's Guide: why math matters, why so many kids struggle with it, when to intervene to turn math anxiety into ACADEMIC SUCCESS Kindle Edition

Does this sound familiar... “ I can’t stand Math. My teacher hates me! ” “Mom, Jimmy called me ‘stupid’ in math class in front of all my friends!” “That is not how my math teacher does it!” You are NOT alone! Hi, I’m Dr. Pan. For the last 17 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of math-anxious families, helping them get to the root cause of math anxiety, catch up, and excel in math. With good learning tools, kids who fell behind their classmates for years can often catch up in a matter of months. Most math struggles are caused by a combination of 3 challenges: #1) Lack of Test-taking Skills This is a performance issue. Not a knowledge issue. With proper guidance, kids can learn how to thrive under pressure. #2) Weak Basic Math Skills Math is built like a pyramid. Each new concept is built on simpler building blocks, so there is logical progress. A weak foundation makes the entire structure shaky. Finding and addressing foundation issues quickly is the key. #3) Ineffective Support at Home This might be more about YOU than your child. Study habits tend to be shaped at home. Even if you're not confident/comfortable with your own math skills, you can still create the best setting for your child to develop confidence as a learner. When you apply the tips, insights, and principles inside this book, You'll see performance changes in your child ==> Better test scores ==> Less stress around homework and test time ==> Confidence in asking for help (and happier teachers!) You'll have blueprints to ==> Teach your child to ask effective questions in the classrooms ==> Respond well when your child is disappointed with their test scores ==> Create a positive learning environment at home ==> Prevent and Get out of homework power struggles You'll gain confidence handling math issues ==> Overcome your own uncomfortableness around math ==> Impactfully share your own math experience ==> Manage and collaborate with your child’s tutors in an organized way You'll learn: => 3 early warning signs of math struggle => 5 important math milestones in k-12 math => Why engineers and “smart” parents often fail at helping with homework "A unique contribution to the literature on math learning, and perhaps on learning in general.” - A 6th grader's grandpa (Dr. Pete Likins, Former President of the University of Arizona) “This book is different; it is designed to help parents create a positive environment in which their children’s ability to do math can flourish.” - A 4th grader's mom (Dr. Christensen, Retired Dean of Math&Sci at Pima College) “Dr. Pan takes you on a journey that will transform how you feel about math and help you discover your child’s ‘MathAbility.’ This book is part biography, part parenting guide, and 100% about convincing you that your child can succeed in math.” -Two High schoolers' mom (Amy Bhola. Board Ex-President, Catalina Foothills School District) “More than just an answer to parents’ prayers, this book teaches you how to create math confidence in both yourself and your child in a way you never imagined - from the inside out.”- Two middle schoolers' mom (Cahtie Batbie, KVOA-TV News Director) 🍀 🍀 🍀 Start Reading Now 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼

• Print length 165 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date December 11, 2020
• File size 3302 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08LMNY141
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ From Tears to Smiles Press; 1st edition (December 11, 2020)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 11, 2020
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 3302 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 165 pages
• #603 in Parent Participation in Education (Kindle Store)
• #2,204 in Parent Participation in Education (Books)
• #6,883 in Parenting (Kindle Store)

About the author

Math Shouldn't Get in The Way..

Why have hundreds of parents over the last 18 years trusted me to guide their children to a more confident place and a brighter future?

It's because I have spent the last two decades perfecting a process to help children who are struggling with math and take them to a place of confidence and proficiency no matter where they started.

Most parents find me when their child starts to have problems in math, but we're much more than a math emergency room. The end goal is to eliminate math as an obstacle in the way of whatever it is your child wants to accomplish and use math as a vehicle for confidence. That being said, in today's world math is the key to most medical, engineering and science careers which will all provide secure and well-paid jobs in tomorrow's economy.

After helping to help many parents to get their children back on track with math, I decided to distill my experience and methods into a book so that parents everywhere are able to guide their kids to be confident in math.

Who Am I and How Did I Get Here?

I'm Dr. Feenix Pan. I struggled in math early on when growing up in rural China, but overcame these struggles with help from caring teachers. I went on to obtain a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and a PhD in Optical Science from the University of Arizona. After my studies, all I wanted to do was unlock the code, find the missing ingredient and spot the pattern for kids with big dreams and fears of math.

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