Make sure you understand basic math like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Most math problems require one of these, or all of these skills. If you must, however, go ahead and use a calculator.
Read the lesson before you begin checking his or her work. There are certain nuances for different types of math. Make sure you read the short lesson in the textbook before you begin looking at your child's homework.
Complete each example on your own before you look at your child's answer. There are two reasons you should complete this step. First of all, you need to be sure you completely understand the math concept yourself, and second, you need to check and see if you and your child come up with the same answer.
Follow your child's train of thought. You child should always show her work when completing math problems. Follow her work and make sure she has made no mistakes. If the work matches yours, all the better.
Make sure the answer makes sense. If the question asks what day of the month something will happen, the number 60 obviously doesn't make sense. Be sure the final answer actually seems like it could fit.