Differences in Preschoolers’ Life Satisfaction Based on Type of Mothers’ Private Education Orientations and Academic Involvement

Objectives: This study examines preschool children’s life satisfaction in the context of private education by analyzing variations in maternal private education orientations and academic involvement. It explores differences in preschoolers’ private education time and life satisfaction by maternal types.Methods: Data were collected from 198 preschoolers (aged 4–5) and their mothers in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, South Korea. Mothers completed surveys on private education orientations and academic involvement, while preschoolers were interviewed about life satisfaction. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, latent profile analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and Quade’s nonparametric ANCOVA.Results: Preschoolers generally reported high life satisfaction. Total private education time was positively correlated with self-satisfaction but negatively with family and institutional satisfaction. Time spent on arts and sports was positively associated with self-satisfaction only. Mothers were classified into three types: Minimal Learning Involvement, Emphasis on Private Education, and Active Learning Support. The Emphasis on Private Education group had the highest private education orientation and academic pressure, with their children spending the most time in private education and reporting significantly lower overall, family, and institutional satisfaction than those in the Minimal Learning Involvement group. These differences remained after controlling for total private education time. However, when controlling for arts and sports education time, overall life satisfaction differences disappeared, while family and institutional satisfaction remained low.Conclusion: Preschoolers’ life satisfaction varies by maternal type. These findings provide insights for balancing private education and supporting children’s well-being.