Same or Different? What Are the Co-parenting Perceptions of Parents with Preschool Children?

This study investigates mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of co-parenting, conceptualized as the ways in which parents collaborate, negotiate roles, and support one another in child-rearing. Data were collected from 202 parents of preschool aged children in İzmir, Türkiye, using a demographic information form and the Co-Parenting Inventory for Parents with Preschoolers. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, version 26.0 and Mplus 8.5. Results indicated significant associations between mothers’ and fathers’ reports of cooperation, conflict, and triangulation, highlighting the reciprocal nature of co-parenting interactions. Mothers reported higher cooperation, whereas fathers reported higher conflict and triangulation. The findings contribute to the growing international literature by addressing the underrepresentation of fathers in family research and by offering a culturally sensitive perspective from a non-Western context.

Cite this article as: Yoleri, S., Uyumaz G. (2026). Same or different? What are the co-parenting perceptions of parents with preschool children? HAYEF: Journal of Education, 23, 0045, doi: 10.5152/hayef.2026.25045.