förälder

Förälder is the Swedish term for a parent, a person who has the duty of caring for a child and who may be the child's biological or adoptive mother or father, or a guardian such as a step-parent. Singular: en förälder; plural: föräldrar.

Roles of a förälder include providing daily care, upbringing, safety, education, and emotional support. They participate in decisions about the child’s health, education, welfare, and religion, and typically bear financial responsibilities as well. The term covers biological parents, adoptive parents, and other guardians who take on long‑term caregiving roles, such as foster or kinship caregivers.

Legal and social context: Parenthood generally carries rights and obligations under family law, including custody and guardianship, as well as responsibilities for the child’s welfare. In Sweden, the system provides parental leave and benefits through the national social insurance agency, and policy frameworks promote shared responsibility between parents while supporting the child’s development and well‑being.

Cultural and developmental aspects: The role of parents is shaped by cultural norms and social expectations, and parental involvement is widely recognized as influential in a child’s development. Modern parenting often emphasizes collaboration, support, and a stable, nurturing environment to foster healthy growth and learning.