ABSTRACT
This chapter first discusses different definitions of parenting and defines parenting practice. Different theoretical concepts are developed to conceptualise parenting practice. This includes a discussion on conceptualising parenting style, which has shaped parenting research for decades. After the theoretical consideration of the concept of parenting and defining parenting practice, this chapter sets the scene of contemporary parenting practice in the context of the diversity of family structures that we encounter in our everyday practice. This diversity causes extra stress for parents and affects their parenting style as well as parenting practice, and has led to the formation of different policies to support parenting practice globally. The final part of this chapter compares and contrasts the policy contexts of the UK and Hong Kong. This comparison helps the reader to have a better understanding of the differences in the conceptualisation and consideration of parenting practice in the East and the West. In particular, the chapter illustrates the importance of cultural issues in policy formulation in both the East and the West.
