(NewsUSA) – Did you know success in mathematics has been linked to success in college and future careers? Simply stated, math counts when it comes to a bright future.

To mark the importance of math, Sylvan Learning is offering tips to help all students excel in mathematics education and become independent learners.

“The deluge of data that children encounter in their daily lives makes it even more important that they build strong math and statistics skills,” says Dr. Richard Bavaria, senior vice president for education outreach for Sylvan Learning.

“Good skills in math and statistics can equip your child with the ability to discern valid data from misleading data, and to make intelligent decisions based on factual data,” Bavaria added.

Here are some helpful tips that parents can use to bridge the gap between fear of math and the essential world of numbers:

VALIDATE IT: Don’t be a parent who says, “I was never good at math.” It only sends the wrong message that “math is hard” and it has null value. Instead, stress that math is something that has to be learned by putting time and effort into it — like anything else.

ADD IT UP: Point out math in everyday life. Make sure your child knows that math is relevant, whether it’s figuring out how long a road trip will take or making a grocery budget. Show them how you work out math problems.

MULTIPLY IT: Find online resources to help your child acquire the math skills he or she needs. There are plenty of free online resources to help teach and build math skills. You’ll find everything from entertaining math tricks to multiplication shortcuts to free online practice sessions like the ones on SylvanMathPrep.com. They provide online video lessons on all sorts of math problems to help with math homework and studying.

SOLVE IT: While classroom learning may be enough for one child, it may not be enough for another. Supplemental math instruction from a professional source can provide the one-on-one attention that is sometimes missing from a busy classroom. Giving a child the time and opportunity to ask questions and learn math at their own pace can open doors of understanding — and eventually provide them with the confidence they need to learn in a classroom setting.

CHECK IT: If algebra is around the corner for your child, log onto www.Fit4Algebra.org, and have him or her take the Fit 4 Algebra Challenge! The free test takes 20 minutes. You’ll also gain access to other free resources to help your child get in tip-top shape for algebra. For more math help, visit www.sylvanlearning.com or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.