par·ent·ing \ˈpa(a)rəntiŋ, ˈper-\noun (-s) Etymology: from gerund of parent (II) : the raising of a child by its parents < felt parenting was his wife's job more than his — Virginia Satir > 2.: the act or process of becoming a parent 3.: the taking care of someone in the manner of a parent < the parenting of one's aged parents >