By: Katie Harrison

Many subjects in school can create some anxiety for children. However, a new study suggests that mathematics is the biggest anxiety-provoking subject, and unfortunately, parents and other caregivers can contribute to that pressure, even if they don’t know it.

According to Sian Beilock, professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, parents voicing their concerns or offering to help with math homework may make their children more anxious when working on this particular subject. “We often don’t think about how important parents’ own attitudes are in determining their children’s academic achievement. But our work suggests that if a parent is walking around saying, ‘Oh, I don’t like math’, or ‘This stuff makes me nervous,’ kids pick up on this messaging and it affects their success,” Beilock said.

The study focused on the math achievement and anxiety of 438 first grade and second grade students. Along with the students, the researchers asked the parents of the children about their particular anxieties about math and just how often they try and help their kids with their math homework.

The study revealed that parents who are very anxious about math had children who learned less from the subject throughout the academic year. “Math-anxious parents may be less effective in explaining math concepts to children, and may not respond well when children make a mistake or solve a problem in a novel way,” said co-researcher Susan Levine who is also a professor of education and psychology.

The researchers explained that parents can use specific tools to help them and their children become less anxious about math. Some of these tools include math books, computer games, and applications on a computer.

But it seems attitudes play a bit part in children’s attitude toward their abilities in math. Next time you hear a niece or nephew expressing concerns about their math ability, don’t add your own, if you are indeed anxious about math, to the mix. Be positive about your own ability and help influence their positive attitudes toward math.

Photo: racorn
Published: September 8, 2015