@article{article_1809180, title={Privacy and Body Autonomy Practices of Mothers During Daily Care Routines of Preschool-Aged Children}, journal={Uluslararası Erken Çocukluk Eğitimi Çalışmaları Dergisi}, volume={11}, pages={40–52}, year={2026}, DOI={10.37754/ijeces.1809180}, url={https://izlik.org/JA64NS54GJ}, author={Kuru, Nilüfer}, keywords={mahremiyet, ebeveynlik, bedensel farkındalık, özbakım rutinleri}, abstract={This qualitative study examined how mothers of pre-school children (aged 4–6) promote bodily autonomy and privacy during everyday care routines. Ten participants, who were all the primary caregivers of children enrolled in early childhood education settings, took part in semi-structured individual interviews. The data were analyzed using the thematic content analysis of Braun and Clarke (2006, 2021). Three key themes emerged: (1) privacy as a relational aspect of caregiving; (2) autonomy and consent through emotional attunement; and (3) boundary negotiation and parental modelling. The findings revealed that bodily autonomy is an integral part of daily care interactions. Caregivers promoted children’s independence by acknowledging bodily and emotional cues, explaining boundaries, and modelling respectful behavior. Emotional sensitivity, calm communication and reflective responses were essential for maintaining connection while encouraging autonomy. The study highlights how routine caregiving activities provide moral and developmental contexts in which empathy, trust, and respect for bodily autonomy are co-constructed.}, number={1}