The Relationship Between Preschoolers’ Self-Care Skills, Fathers’ Involvement, and Maternal Gatekeeping Perceptions

This study, using a correlational survey design, examined the relationships among fathers’ perceptions of maternal gatekeeping, their involvement levels, and their children’s self-care skills among preschoolers aged 48–66 months. The sample consisted of 400 fathers and their 400 children attending preschool education. Data were collected using the Father Involvement Scale (FIS), the Maternal Gatekeeping Scale for the Preschool Period (3–6 years) – Father Form, and the Self-Care Skills Scale for Preschool Children (36–72 months) – Teacher Form. Analyses included t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analysis. Findings revealed no significant relationship between father involvement and the child’s gender; however, fathers were more engaged in the primary care of daughters. Fathers with more children reported higher involvement in leisure activities and emotional closeness, while those with lower socioeconomic status exhibited greater overall involvement. Maternal gatekeeping was negatively associated with father involvement, whereas children’s self-care skills were positively correlated with fathers’ involvement. The study recommends preschool-based workshops and awareness programs to strengthen paternal participation and support children’s self-care skill development.