Türkçe

Abstract

The concept of child well-being encompasses not only the fulfillment of biological needs but also the support of emotional, social, cognitive, and cultural development. This study examines the theoretical foundations of child well-being, discusses the impact of parenting styles on child development, and evaluates protective and risk factors within the family context, with a particular focus on research conducted in Turkey. Findings indicate that authoritative (democratic) parenting enhances children’s self-esteem, social adjustment, and academic achievement, whereas authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting styles create developmental risks. Furthermore, violence, poverty, divorce, and emotional neglect are identified as the main threats to child well-being. The study emphasizes the importance of protective family factors—such as secure attachment, effective communication, family rituals, and social support networks—in fostering children’s psychological resilience and life satisfaction. In conclusion, family-based interventions and social policy measures are proposed as essential strategies to improve child well-being.