Parents’ Maths Anxiety Linked to Lower Numeracy Skills in Children

Parents who have a bad relationship with maths can have a negative influence on the early development of their children's numeracy skills, influencing their performance in the subject as they progress through school. These are the findings of a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology as a result of a survey that followed the mathematical progress of 126 girls and boys aged 3 to 8.

"The results of the study show that the children of parents with higher levels of anxiety about maths grow up with poorer numeracy skills than the children of parents with lower anxiety levels," explains Carlo Tomasetto, professor at the 'Renzo Canestrari' Department of Psychology at the University of Bologna and first author of the study. "This effect persists as children grow up and start school, with the same children still showing lower abilities in the mathematical area when they reach the age of 8."

Maths anxiety is a feeling that triggers negative emotions when a person is faced with mathematical problems or calculations, not only in school, but also in everyday life. The researchers sought to assess whether this condition can be passed on from parents to children and influence the latter’s mathematical development over time. The topic is particularly interesting because early maths development has been found to be a key predictor of future academic success, which, in turn, influences crucial life outcomes, including career opportunities and long-term mental and physical wellbeing.

As a result, researchers investigated the level of maths anxiety of the parents of 126 children, when the latter were 3 and then again when they were 8. Moreover, they followed the development of the children’s numeracy skills between the ages of 3 and 8.

"Although the study found no evidence that children internalise their parents' anxiety about maths, we did find a significant link between parents' anxiety about maths and children's numeracy skills," says Tomasetto. "Initiatives are therefore needed that not only enable parents to support their children’s maths learning, but help them to develop positive attitudes and confidence towards the subject."

To overcome these difficulties, the researchers first of all suggest approaching maths with a positive attitude, showing interest and encouragement, and recognising that no special talent is needed to be able to learn it. In addition, parents themselves can try to actively review their relationship with maths.

"It is never too late to increase one’s confidence in maths and to learn functional numeracy skills," confirms Tomasetto. "Parents can explore adult numeracy classes or take advantage of free online resources. More generally, they can embrace a mindset where they recognise that making mistakes in maths is not only okay, but an important part of the learning process."

The study was published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology with the title 'Parental mathematics anxiety is related to children's mathematical development in preschool and the first school years'. The first author is Carlo Tomasetto, professor at the 'Renzo Canestrari' Department of Psychology at the University of Bologna. Researchers from the University of Trieste, the University of Macerata and Loughborough University (UK) also took part.