Key Takeaways

• Children form their STEM identity early, often by watching their caregivers.
• Kids see primary caregivers as less curious about science and math.
• Girls may think being a parent clashes with having a STEM identity.
• Parents who share their STEM interests help kids see both roles fit.
• Showing science and math at home can boost girls’ confidence.

Understanding STEM identity

STEM identity means seeing yourself as a person who likes science, technology, engineering or math. It starts early, often before middle school. Researchers found that if kids don’t feel like “STEM people” by eighth grade, they rarely choose STEM careers later. Therefore, shaping a strong STEM identity early matters for future scientists and engineers.

What shapes this identity? Partly, it comes from the people kids spend time with. Children compare themselves to parents, teachers and friends. They notice who shows excitement about STEM topics. Then, they decide if they could fit in that group. If parents talk about science or work on math puzzles at home, kids learn that STEM is fun and normal.

How STEM identity Forms at Home

A recent study asked college students about who made them feel drawn to STEM. They mentioned more than 100 people, including parents, siblings and teachers. The results showed women were only about 40 percent of the people named as “STEM people.” Meanwhile, 70 percent of those dubbed “not STEM people” were mothers or other primary caregivers.

This happens even when those caregivers have STEM degrees. It turns out, kids noticed who spent the most time caring for them. They saw that the parent in charge of day-to-day tasks did not talk much about STEM topics. That parent often cooked, helped with homework or drove them to activities. As a result, kids assumed caregivers must not enjoy or know much about science and math.

Why Parenting Looks Incompatible with STEM

Many children view parenting as all-consuming. They see caregivers focused on chores, meals and bedtime routines. Thus, kids think real STEM people work in labs or fix machines all day. They rarely connect science with parenting tasks. Even more, kids link caregiving roles mainly to women. Through this lens, girls may begin to believe they must choose between family life and a STEM career.

However, this view lacks evidence. Many STEM professionals raise families. Yet, stereotypes remain strong. If girls never see moms or dads juggling data models and diaper changes, they assume the roles clash. Without counterexamples, their STEM identity stays weak.

Showing STEM identity as Parents

Parents can help change this narrative in simple ways. First, talk about STEM at home. For example, parents could explain why they use measurements in cooking. They could describe how they solve technical problems at work. Even discussing a science podcast over breakfast makes a big difference.

Second, share hands-on activities. Fixing a leaky faucet involves engineering principles. Following a recipe teaches chemistry. Building a birdhouse helps with geometry. When caregivers include kids in these tasks, they show that STEM fits daily life.

Third, balance caregiving with visible STEM interests. If a primary caregiver loves coding, they might set aside time to code while kids do homework nearby. That shows kids you can care for a family and pursue technical passions.

Finally, invite kids to STEM events. Take them to local science fairs or robot workshops. Introduce them to other parents who work in STEM fields. Meeting real people in the role you want to model enriches a child’s view of STEM identity.

Changing STEM identity Views in Children

By shaping a strong STEM identity, parents help children consider those careers later. Girls, in particular, benefit when they see women in labs, offices or workshops alongside family life. Moreover, kids learn that curiosity and caregiving can go hand in hand.

Schools and community groups can support this too. They can host family STEM nights where parents and kids solve challenges together. They can invite speakers who share their parenting journey in STEM careers. When children regularly encounter these role models, they start to break free from old stereotypes.

Parents should also encourage questions. When kids ask “Why?” or “How?” during chores, answer with simple science facts. For instance, explain surface tension while washing dishes. Or describe gravity when picking up toys. Such daily moments reinforce that STEM surrounds us.

In this way, girls learn that they can be both scientists and parents someday. They see that caring for others does not mean giving up on math or chemistry. In fact, STEM skills can make them even better caregivers—by teaching them to solve problems and think clearly.

Conclusion

Building a strong STEM identity in children starts at home. Parents shape beliefs through the things they say and do. When caregivers show interest in science and math, kids pick up on that excitement. They learn that STEM fields welcome anyone—whether they plan a career or raise a family.

By blending caregiving with STEM activities, parents can help girls see that both roles fit together. This change in mindset may lead more young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I boost my child’s STEM identity at home?

Talk about science during everyday tasks. Cook together using measurements. Build simple machines, like a pulley system with household items. Share your own excitement and challenges at work. This helps kids see STEM in real life.

Why do kids think caregiving and STEM don’t mix?

Children often see primary caregivers focused on chores and routines. They may never see that same parent working on science or math. As a result, kids assume STEM people don’t handle caregiving tasks.

What if both parents work in STEM but one stays home?

Even if both parents have STEM degrees, kids notice who takes on daily care. The parent who handles most caregiving may seem less interested in STEM. To change this, that parent can share STEM activities or talk about their field more visibly.

How can schools help strengthen STEM identity?

Schools can host family STEM events where caregivers and students solve problems together. They can invite guest speakers who balance STEM careers and family life. These efforts show kids that STEM and caregiving can coexist.