The Effect of Positive Childhood Experiences on Parenting Skills: A Study with Mothers of Primary School Children

This study addresses a significant gap in understanding the impact of mothers' positive childhood experiences on their parenting skills. The study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between mothers' positive childhood experiences and parenting skills. A total of 490 mothers whose children attend private primary schools in various provinces of Türkiye participated in the study using a relational survey model. Data were collected using the ‘General Information Form,’ ‘Positive Childhood Experiences Scale’, and ‘Child Education Competence Scale.’ Statistical analyses were used for the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and regression analysis. The findings revealed a significant relationship between mothers' childhood experiences and parenting skills, and mothers who experienced positive parent–child communication and grew up in rural areas had higher parenting skills. In addition, positive childhood experiences positively affected mothers' child education competencies. These results underline the importance of mothers' childhood experiences in shaping their parenting skills and highlight the need for intervention programs and comprehensive family education initiatives to improve parenting skills. This study aims to add valuable information to parenting education and family counseling and ultimately support the healthy development of children. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.