childrearing

[ chahyld-reer-ing ]

noun

1. the raising and parenting of children:

   Childrearing extends beyond simple guardianship to nurturing and guidance.

adjective

1. of or relating to the raising and parenting of children:

   The majority of childrearing responsibilities are shouldered by female family members.

Word History and Origins

Origin of childrearing¹

1840–45; child ( def ) + rear ²( def ) (in the sense “to take care of to maturity”) + -ing ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Still, as Oster’s kids got older—they’re now 7 and 11—she kept researching childrearing queries and pursuing commercial writing.

From Time

Parents also began receiving the money in monthly installments, rather than as a lump sum during tax return season, which allowed them to pay for childrearing expenses as they arose rather than once a year.

From Time

In the 1970s and 1980s, women’s groups launched Mother’s Day political campaigns advocating for access to childcare, equal rights for mothers and the social and economic value of childrearing.

From Time

But scientific studies often come into conflict with religion—from the origins of the universe down to childrearing.

From The Daily Beast

Childrearing habits aside, where to begin curing our collective delusion?

From The Daily Beast

Of course, not everyone can get away with the attitude that everyday childrearing is beneath them.

From The Daily Beast

More About Childrearing

What does childrearing mean?

Childrearing is the raising or parenting of a child or children.

The verb rear means to take care of, support, and raise until maturity. To rear children is to raise them. The word rearing can be used as a noun, as in the rearing of livestock. 

Childrearing refers to the overall process and effort involved with raising children, including the basics, like feeding them and keeping them healthy, as well as other aspects of nurturing them and teaching them how to behave.

Childrearing can also be used as an adjective describing such activities, as in When my wife travels for work, I have to take care of all the childrearing responsibilities.

The term childrearing can sound somewhat old-fashioned. It’s much more common to say raising children or raising kids or parenting.

Example: They say that childrearing is the hardest job you’ll ever love.

Where does childrearing come from?

The first records of the word childrearing come from the 1840s. The first records of the word rear as a verb meaning “to take care of” come from before 900. It comes from the Old English rǣran, meaning “to raise.”

When it comes to raising their kids, parents have different approaches to childrearing. But parents aren’t the only ones who perform childrearing—it’s the responsibility of anyone who’s raising a child, whether they’re a grandparent or other guardian. Older siblings are often involved in childrearing, too.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to childrearing?

• child-rearing (alternate spelling)
• child rearing (alternate spelling)

What are some synonyms for childrearing?

• raising children
• raising kids
• parenting

What are some words that share a root or word element with childrearing? 

• child
• children
• rear
• childcare

What are some words that often get used in discussing childrearing?

• parent
• guardian
• duties
• responsibilities
• upbringing
• nurturing
• raising
• taking care of

How is childrearing used in real life?

Childrearing is more formal than terms like raising kids and parenting.

So much of childrearing feels like an embrace — or a rejection — of how you were raised: http://t.co/XMBAZgHdQf pic.twitter.com/DyEU8V4iQt

— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) September 7, 2015

Many Chinese women of reproductive age cite the expense of childrearing and career priorities as the reason they're delaying childbirth or not pursuing larger families. Others like @DavidFeng are worried about China's uncertain future. https://t.co/mLtRV9u68S (4/12)

— AJ+ (@ajplus) April 5, 2019

Many fathers are eager to take on a greater share of childrearing responsibilities & it's time that men's restrooms be equipped with changing tables: https://t.co/1tRdMHrf9N #SquatForChange pic.twitter.com/F2Dx1NV3j3

— The Root (@TheRoot) October 10, 2018

 

 

Try using childrearing!

Is childrearing used correctly in the following sentence?

For new parents, childrearing responsibilities can be overwhelming.