DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is a decent student, but not so good at math. Sadly, I am horrible at math. Now that kids learn differently from how I was brought up, it's even worse. I cannot help him when he has homework. I feel like I am not taking good care of him because I'm not able to support him in this very important area. How can I step up to help him? I will feel horrible if he fails. -- Mathematically Challenged, Washington, D.C.
DEAR MATHEMATICALLY CHALLENGED: It's time for a tutor. This is exactly why they exist, to support students who need extra help. You should not feel less than because you don't know everything. Join the club of being a parent. None of us is good at everything. Realize what you know and what you don't.
You know you aren't great at math, so do your research. Start with your son's teacher. Find out from him or her if there are tutors at his school or if they can recommend someone who can help.