Parents can also model for their children how to become investigative problem solvers. First, says Parker, parents should realize they don't have to be the expert in everything their children ask them about. It's okay to say to your kids that you don't know how to do something, but that you are willing to sit down with them and help figure it out. That may mean talking to the teacher about what she or he is teaching in class, taking a trip to the library, or calling up a friend who knows more about the subject. Once parents take on the attitude that they are learning along with their children, any fears or long-held anxieties about how poorly they did in math or science are no longer a barrier.
Parents often write in questions about assignments or how their child is doing in a particular area.
Usually the child can both answer the question for the parent and demonstrate his or her understanding of what is going on in school. Another tool she uses to keep parents apprised of classroom events is a weekly newsletter. Some of the things she includes are key words that parents can ask their children about to help them prepare for their weekly math quiz. She believes that if parents know what to ask their children, they will hear details about what is going on in school. At the same time, children are learning that they can talk to their parents about their education and ask them questions.