The importance if mathematics can never be overenphasized. As a kid i used to tell myself that i love mathematics. Later on, i started seein it as stress, i strayed and never fell in love with it again.
Growing up now, i've discovered that overyday of our lives depends largly on calculation. Everything in life is calculated and mathematics is calculation. From the food we eat, to the water we drink and even to the shoes we wear, as well as clothes are all a product of someones thinking.
When i get my kids i'll make sure i teach them how to fall in love with mathematics right from the scratch.