If you let your child know you believe that everyone can be successful in math, your child will believe it, too. As soon as children learn to count, put their new knowledge to work whenever possible. At home, have the child count out silverware for the table or pieces of cake. On outings, count the number of blue cars that pass or the number of windows in houses. Play family games that use math.
Younger children can become familiar with numbers by playing with toy telephones and clocks.
For older children, try bingo and dominoes. Play games in the car that estimate distance or identify specific shapes along the road. Ask children to keep track of mileage and expenses on car trips. Teach children to be calendar and clock-watchers. They can serve as time-watchers to make sure the family leaves on time for an outing or turns on the TV for a favorite show.