As South Shore families settle into a new school year, one subject often brings anxiety to both kids and parents alike: math.
To help families feel more confident, I spoke with educator and math specialist Jill Milton, who offered practical tips for building confidence, encouraging curiosity, and keeping math positive at home.
Many parents admit they aren’t “math people.” What’s the best mindset to have when helping kids?
The most powerful thing you can do is model a positive attitude. Instead of saying, “I’m not good at math,” try, “Let’s figure this out together.” Kids pick up on what you say. Show them math is everywhere, in cooking, shopping, even games, and praise their effort and perseverance more than whether they get the right answer.
What if the homework feels too difficult?
That’s what we call “productive struggle.” Just like building endurance with exercise, kids need to push through some challenge. Parents can ask, “Can you show me what you’ve tried so far?” If the frustration turns to tears, that’s the time to email the teacher. Homework is practice, not punishment, and teachers want to know when it’s too hard.
I’ve heard the phrase “number sense” mentioned by teachers. What does that mean?
Number sense is when children see there are many ways to solve a problem. For example, to solve 7 + 8, a student might say 7 + 7 plus one more, or 8 + 8 minus one. This flexibility gives kids control over math and helps them with harder concepts later. Parents can encourage this with games like War, Make 10, or a favorite of mine called Zoom.
What tools should families keep at home?
You don’t need anything expensive. Counters like pennies, buttons, or even Skittles are great for younger kids. Keep different kinds of paper handy so kids can try multiple strategies without erasing their work. Number lines, hundred charts, and simple dice or card games all build math thinking. I’ve even taught subtraction through smashing play dough balls.
Some parents (me!) struggle with how math is taught today compared to when they were in school. How should they approach that?
Remember that today’s approach emphasizes flexibility and problem-solving. It may feel slower at first, but it sets students up to handle complex math later. Parents don’t have to be experts. Ask teachers for curriculum resources or family guides at the start of the year. Schools want parents involved.
What’s your message to parents who carry negative math experiences themselves?
Soften that wall you might have built around math. You don’t need to love it, but you do need to let it in. Math is a tool we all use, just like reading. Whether you’re budgeting at the car dealership or measuring ingredients in the kitchen, math matters in everyday life. Showing your child that attitude makes a big difference.
Jill Milton has been an educator and math specialist for over 25 years. She’s passionate about making math accessible and empowering for young learners, using multi-sensory, concept-driven approaches that meet kids where they are and move them forward.