parenting

[ pair-uhn-ting, par- ]

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.

adjective

1. of or concerned with the rearing of children:

   good parenting skills.

parenting

/ ˈpɛərəntɪŋ /

noun

1. the care and upbringing of a child

Usage Note

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of parenting¹

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

Example Sentences

But the most jarring part hasn't been parenting itself — it's been watching how digitally wired my niece's relationship with money already is.

From Salon

But beyond parenting challenges, she doesn’t lean into her age in her material.

From Los Angeles Times

For instance, in Season 2, we see Ellie trying to establish her independence and get away from Joel’s helicopter parenting.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, Pascal conveys the weight that half a decade of parenting, with all its fears and expectations, presses down on someone.

From Salon

King was also ordered to complete a 26-week parenting program, individual counseling to “address case issues” and joint counseling with her children when the children’s “therapist deems it appropriate.”

From Los Angeles Times