parenting

American  

[pair-uhn-ting, par-] / ˈpɛər ən tɪŋ, ˈpær- /

noun

1. the rearing of children.

   The schedule allows her very little time for parenting.

2. the methods, techniques, etc., used or required in the rearing of children.

   a course in parenting.

3. the state of being a parent; parenthood.

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adjective

1. of or concerned with the rearing of children.

   good parenting skills.

parenting British  

/ ˈpɛərəntɪŋ /

noun

1. the care and upbringing of a child

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Usage

Parenting has come to be favored over parenthood, rearing, and bringing up in sociological and educational literature and in popular writing.

Etymology

Origin of parenting

First recorded in 1955–60; parent + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

parenting

The report also criticised various agencies involved for "often minimising" concerns raised by the children's mother, which include concerns around firearm safety, "as being part of a parenting dispute".

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026

It's an innovation which has made me reflect on my own experiences of pregnancy and parenting.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026

For me, parenting is a humbling experience daily and I felt it was something about this that tapped into a vulnerability and a rawness.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

In the following years, John and Laura had three children, with Laura handling much of the parenting, John Overdeck testified.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

There were only two parenting “philosophies,” and they divided almost perfectly along class lines.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell