Despite many interventional programmes to improve the well-being of children in different domains, survival, nutrition, health, education, protection and participation of a large number of children in India continue to stay deprived of the opportunities to gain full potential. Who has a major role in the growth and development of a child? Is it a nation or a family? The Ancient Indian and Western Literature had explicitly portrayed a significant role of parents in the appropriate development of a child. Though it is precise to state that the peer group, the school, and the society have equal contributions in making the child's entire personality, the family is considered to be the most influencing one (Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989). Several aspects of parenting, such as influencing factors, dimensions, styles, approaches, practices, impacts, etc., have been explored and presented in various researches all over the world. No wonder, that parenting is an innate skill, but some parents need information, assistance and guidance to nurture, value and care for the optimum development of their young ones. This paper presents a closer look at parenting and parenting styles by developing a conceptual framework. It discusses policy level work on parenting and present the challenges of parenting in the Indian context. The needs of 21st century children and associated problems with respect to parenting are highlighted in the paper. In conclusion, it is emphasised that the need for balanced interaction and involvement of parents with the kids, guided by various awareness and training sessions delivered at different levels and stages by other organizations is essential. Parenting is directly related to the emotional, physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being of the child; therefore, it must be viewed seriously by all the stakeholders. This paper will prompt positive practice among parents and initiate policy level debates on the role of different agencies to promote healthy parenting.
