A five-year study has uncovered a concerning link between parents’ anxiety about mathematics and their children’s early numeracy skills, potentially setting the stage for long-term academic challenges that could persist well into the school years.
The research, conducted by an international team led by Loughborough University and three Italian universities, followed 126 children from age three to eight, revealing that parental math anxiety can cast a long shadow over children’s mathematical development – even after they begin formal schooling.
“Our results reveal that parental maths anxiety does impact children’s maths outcomes, even when differences in parental education are taken into account,” says Dr. Kinga Morsanyi from Loughborough University, who participated in the research team.
The findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, showed that parents who reported feeling anxious about math when their children were three years old had children who demonstrated poorer early numeracy skills compared to their peers whose parents exhibited lower levels of math anxiety.
Perhaps most striking was the study’s revelation about the persistence of these effects. “This effect continued as their children grew and entered school, with the same children still showing lower maths performance at the age of eight, which is remarkable, given the strong influence of schooling on maths development,” notes Dr. Morsanyi.
The implications extend far beyond the classroom. Research has consistently shown that early mathematical development serves as a crucial predictor of future academic success, which in turn influences career opportunities, earning potential, and even long-term mental and physical wellbeing.
However, the study offers hope along with its warning. Dr. Morsanyi emphasizes that parents can take practical steps to break this cycle. “One simple yet powerful step parents can take is to speak more positively about maths and recognise that you do not need a special talent in maths to be able to learn it,” she advises. “Even if parents struggle with maths, showing interest, enthusiasm and encouragement can make a big difference for their children.”
The research team suggests several strategies for parents to support their children’s mathematical development, regardless of their own comfort level with the subject. These include:
- Avoiding negative talk about mathematics
- Embracing a growth mindset that views mistakes as learning opportunities
- Taking advantage of free online resources to boost confidence
- Considering adult numeracy classes to improve personal skills
The study, which was led by the University of Bologna in collaboration with the Universities of Trieste and Macerata, focused on children in Italy, where formal schooling begins at age six. The researchers are now planning to expand their investigation to examine whether these findings hold true across different countries and educational systems.
While the study found no direct evidence that children internalize their parents’ anxiety about mathematics, the impact on skill development presents a clear call to action for parents and educators alike. As mathematical literacy becomes increasingly crucial in our technology-driven world, addressing these early influences on children’s mathematical development takes on new urgency.
The research team emphasizes that it’s never too late for parents to improve their relationship with mathematics, potentially breaking the cycle of anxiety and underperformance for future generations.