Parents get cold feet over science

PARENTS are so afraid of trying to answer science-based questions that they would rather their children asked them where babies come from.

A survey of more than 1,000 parents has revealed almost one in five hardly ever talks to their offspring about the subject.

Only 32 per cent said they regularly talked to their children about how science works, explaining ideas such as why steam comes out of a boiling kettle.

Almost all said it would help their child's progress in science if they talked to them about the subject at home, but 10 per cent said they did not do so because they did not feel qualified.

Shell Education Service is publishing a booklet containing easy experiments for children and parents to try at home.

It has won the backing of Rachel Foster, associate editor of Mumsnet. She said: "Some parents worry about giving the wrong answer to some of the more difficult science questions asked by their children, and, as a result, are avoiding discussing the subject altogether.

"Mumsnetters are always looking for fun and educational things to do with the family, particularly over the long summer holiday and this presents a great opportunity for families to learn together while also having fun."