INTRODUCTION: The preschool period is a critical stage in a child's development, where foundational patterns of behavior, values, and social interactions are formed. Sexual development during this time plays a vital role in shaping body image, identity formation, and understanding of social roles. Although long considered a taboo topic, early childhood sexual education is increasingly recognized as essential for healthy de-velopment and protection from potential risks. This study aims to examine the relationship between parenting styles and parents’ attitudes toward their children's sexual development and education during the preschool years.
METHODS: This quantitative study employs both descriptive and relational survey models. The sample consists of 500 parents of 4–6-year-old children attending kindergartens in Aðrý, Türkiye. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Parental Attitude Scale (Demir Karabulut & Þendil, 2008), and the Attitudes Toward Sexual Education Scale (Ceylan et al., 2020). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, applying both parametric and non-parametric tests as well as multiple regression analysis.
RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between parenting styles and attitudes toward sexual education. A democratic parenting style was associated with more positive attitudes, while authoritarian and permissive styles had weaker associations. Factors such as the child’s gender, age, and the family’s socioeconomic status also sig-nificantly influenced parental attitudes.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Parenting styles play a key role in shaping attitudes toward sexual educa-tion. Fathers were found to be more avoidant than mothers, and parents of girls tended to be more protective. The child’s age, presence of a private room, and the parents’ level of education were also found to influence attitudes toward sexual education.