The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of fathers' sex-role attitude, social support mothers received from their spouse, and their sense of motherhood on the development of self (self-control, self-assertion, and self realization) among kindergarten children. Three hundred and four parents in Tokyo completed a questionnaire, and at the same time, various aspects of their children's self were assessed by kindergarten teachers. For families of girls, with most mothers holding no jobs and staying home, reflecting changes in sex roles and fathers who have began to participate in household management, practical supports received by mothers enhanced their sense of motherhood. However, no apparent relationship was found between the sense of motherhood and the development of self. This might suggest an elaboration of our model to include variables of mother-child interaction. For families of boys, father participation in household management tended to reduce the sense of motherhood. Different models therefore should be necessary for families of boys and girls.

Key words:father's sex-role attitude, sense of motherhood, social support, development of self in early childhood