> THE TIP: Parental support and maintaining good year-round study habits help students succeed.

> THE SCOOP: Tutoring "is like a fitness program, you go and exercise a little bit, and you know you will be healthy long term," said Sangeeta Nagaraj, who runs the Kumon tutoring service on Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth.

Parents don't have to leave home to find homework help for their children. At Cramster.com, students stuck on math and science problems can get help, almost in real time. One question can be asked for free daily. Paid members can ask more frequent questions.

A social network of educators, college students and scholars interested in math and science answers questions in exchange for points toward paid premium membership ($9.95 monthly) or perks like iPods and laptop computers.

"If you ask a question right now, you get an answer within 20 or 30 minutes in algebra," said Robert Angarita, president and chief operating officer of Cramster.com. Once school starts, responses only take a few minutes.

> THE EXPERT: Kumon's education specialist Mary Mokris recommends the following to help a child succeed:

> Give your child genuine and frequent praise. Acknowledge and value efforts, not just final accomplishments.

> Focus on the positives. Talk to your children about their summer and reflect on skills they gained and those needed to be successful in life, such as independence, responsibility, perseverance and time-management. Discuss how these will help them succeed in school.

> Set up a study area for your child, preferably one free of distractions (TV, stereo, phone, Internet), well-lit and equipped with necessary supplies and reference materials.

> Schedule daily homework time so it becomes a part of your family's routine.

> Get acquainted with your child's teachers, and keep communication open. Discuss goal-setting with your child and the teacher.