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

Most of the products a family may look at are labeled as “child protection,” and that brings home the role reversals involved in parenting your parents.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026

Amid the competing demands of school, daily life and parenting, even something as simple as walking together may create valuable time for conversation and connection.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

So, if the Kennedy coach looks a little busy, it’s because he is, with teaching, coaching and parenting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

While some say parenting hasn't got harder but expectations have, others argue that parents today are facing more complex challenges than in previous generations with growing concerns around young people's mental health.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026

Has there ever been another art so devoutly converted into a science as the art of parenting?

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt