Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Depiction of Health 2008-9058 17 3 2026 09 30 Modern Parenting: A Narrative Review 355 376 10.34172/doh.2026.27 EN Zeinab Khanjani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6238-7648 Asma Pishkar Ahrab https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8444-8833 Parisa Hasanzadheh Delgosha https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1284-5627 REVIEW 10.34172/doh.2026.27 2025 11 27 2026 06 22 Background. Complete physical, mental, and social health is largely rooted in parenting approaches, but it is not the only influencing factor. This study aimed to explore the optimal parenting style, introduce new and different parenting styles, and the impact of generational change on the adoption of dominant parenting style, with a particular emphasis on cultural factors. The analysis is framed within the context of critiques of classical parenting theories. Methods. This narrative review involved a systematic search of reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, for English-language articles published between 2005 and 2025. The search terms included parenting styles, parenting, child rearing, Baumrind, and culture. In total, 5791 articles were identified and through several stages of screening, 24 articles were selected for inclusion in the review. Results. The findings suggested that the selection of an optimal parenting style is influenced by highly complex factors, including social context, culture, ideology, ethnicity, and geographical factors,and no single approach can be universally applied across diverse cultural contexts. Furthermore, new parenting styles, distinct from classical models, may emerge in different cultures. Intergenerational research also revealed that contemporary parents are more inclined than previous generations to adapt their parenting styles to align with their children’s needs. Conclusion. The findings of this narrative review indicate that universal and fixed approaches to parenting (e.g. Baumrind parenting styles) have limited applicability. Parenting models need to be reconceptualized within cultural contexts and across generations. Accordingly, adopting flexible and culture-sensitive frameworks may provide more effective guidance for educational, clinical, and policy-related interventions, ultimately enhancing parent–child adaptation in contemporary societies. Research Insights · Neglecting cultural contexts in educational and clinical interventions may lead to increased high-risk behaviors, mental disorders, and healthcare costs. · Classical parenting styles (e.g., Baumrind's model) have limited efficacy in non-Western cultures due to the neglect of cultural differences and intergenerational changes. · Cultural differences in the interpretation of parental behaviors have direct implications for children's mental, social, and physical health. · Designing flexible and culturally sensitive parenting models can serve as an effective guide for health policy-making and improving parent–child adjustment in new generations.