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

She criticizes helicopter parenting, decries remote work and tells women they should be willing to “piss people off” in order to be good leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

“Bluey” works because it’s charmed children and grown-ups alike, emphasizing imaginative parenting skills as much as it does Bluey’s playful spirit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

What began as videos sharing parenting advice online has now turned into a career, as Ben offers counselling sessions to clients all over the World.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Just because your parenting journey looks different than you’d hoped doesn’t mean you’re alone.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

Jesse’s parents had practiced a fairly distant approach to parenting.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson