This study aimed to investigate the experiences of mothers participating in MOCEP in Istanbul, through a qualitative research methodology. Overall effectiveness of the programme, its implementation and how the mothers benefited were the main concerns. The study was carried out with 20 mothers. Individual and focus interviews, participant observation and diary keeping were used. The results revealed that the programme created some changes in mother-child relationship, in mothers, children and fathers. The effects of the programme were categorised as direct and side effects, and the direction of the effect was indicated as positive or negative. The effects of the programme on mothers were examined in two aspects: the change in the mother’s behaviour and perceptions. This change in the mother was found to have three addressees: the children, the husbands and the mother herself. In addition, a causal network was used to display the relationship between the programme, the mother, the child and the father.