Help your teen keep track of math's puzzle pieces:

Much of math is like a puzzle. It can be hard to see where the new piece fits until you look at the existing pieces. Don't let your teen lose too many pieces of the puzzle. Even if she has no math homework due the next day, encourage her to work at least a few problems every day. This will reinforce the concepts in her mind, and it can help her see how the next assignment fits in.

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Attitude turns a bad experience into a good lesson:

It took Thomas Edison hundreds of tries before he found the right materials for the light bulb. But each time he learned what wouldn't work, Edison got closer to finding out what would, and he kept going. Help your child take that same attitude. When he makes a mistake, ask him what he's learned. Experience is a good teacher, but your child must pay attention.

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Improve the rhythm of communication:

Get your teen to talk about a song he likes and you may hear the music (and your teen) in a new way. Ask, "What do you like about this band? Do the words remind you of anything?" You may also want to share a favorite song of your own. You may never love your teen's music, and he may never think that yours is for him, but your conversations will help you each learn something about the other.

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Increase privileges along with responsibilities:

Children's responsibilities should grow and change as they get older. When giving your child responsibility for a new chore, emphasize the positive reasons for the change. Praise her for being able to do the job "now that she's so grown up." And as you add responsibilities, consider adding privileges, too. A child who is old enough to wash her clothes is also old enough to decide what to wear in the morning.

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