DON’T PUT KIDS OFF SCIENCES

Parents are putting kids off choosing maths and sciences because of their lack of confidence in the subjects.

Research from the Institution of Engineering and Technology shows more than two in five parents have heard their children say “I’m rubbish at maths” and a third of parents themselves have used similar statements that they think may affect youngsters’ confidence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

Parents are the first place children will turn for guidance and support if they are struggling with their school work, yet parents find maths and science the most difficult homework subjects, compared to English and history.

Families are increasingly turning to technology to assist with homework with Google and YouTube the most popular.

This is worrying. We already face a nationwide skills shortage and it’s predicted we will need 203,000 people with engineering skills each year to meet demand through to 2024. But it’s estimated there will be an annual shortfall of 59,000.

The IET is hosting a ‘Parentorial’ Facebook live session, in partnership with Mumsnet. It will feature a panel discussion on the importance of encouraging children to study STEM subjects, and the opportunities a career in engineering can bring.

David Lakin, IET head of education, said: “Parents need to be mindful how their own enthusiasm towards subjects can influence their children.”

The ‘parentorial’ takes place at 12.30pm tomorrow at facebook.co/mumsnet