Maths and science are the subjects most parents dread when their children ask for help with homework assignments, a new survey has found.

It revealed two-thirds of adults are frequently puzzled by questions on these topics, with a quarter admitting to feeling frustrated or embarrassed when they are unable to answer.

The most feared query was said to be 'Why is the moon sometimes out in the day?', while curious minds wanting to know why the sky is blue and how planes stay up also often challenge the knowledge of adults.

One in five people admitted to making up an answer to satisfy their children, while 16 per cent passed the query on to their partner.

Scientist and broadcaster professor Brian Cox said it is "fantastic" that youngsters have inquisitive minds and said this is something to be encouraged.

"The best thing parents can do is work with their children to find the answers - not only can it be fun, but you'll both learn something new along the way," he said. 

Last week, many students may have attended the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin, which saw almost 1,200 pupils competing for the main prize.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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