If third grade math would have been a general education requirement in undergrad I would have had to drop out. 

Tonight while making dinner I attempted to help Mack complete his math homework.  First of all, when helping your third grader with his/her homework do not attempt to complete any other task.  This evolution will require every ounce of your attention and mental agility. 

Secondly, your inability to adequately explain/ perform the requirements levied in the nightly math assignment validates your child’s theory that the work is well beyond their level of comprehension and as such should be labeled cruel and unusual punishment- after 30 minutes of fruitless effort you will tend to agree with their assessment.

Finally, the realization that you’re not as intelligent as the average 4th grader will lead to extreme hypertension and take years off your life.

Should Mack require assistance coloring and pasting shapes to construction paper- I’m the man.  For all other academic endeavors I am sending him straight to his mother