To promote good habits, parents should expect their child to:

• Take notes in math class and bring the notes home when working on an assignment.

• Bring home their math book and have it open to the material they’re working on (even if the assignment is on a work sheet).

• Use estimation and mental math whenever appropriate. Paper and pencil math, or calculators, can be used when necessary.

• Check each answer to see if it is reasonable and accurate, and if it answers the question asked.

• Try to figure out answers themselves—before seeking help from parents or others.

It also helps for parents to expect teens to succeed, says Wilson. Comments like, “I know you’re going to be able to get this!” and “There will come a time when this will be easy for you!”—are much more helpful than, “I could never get this stuff, either!” or “I’m glad I don’t have to use this in my life.”

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