nonparental

Outside the family

Nonparental describes care, influence, or relationships involving adults other than a child's parents.

The term appears in discussions of childcare arrangements, custody, and child development: nonparental childcare, nonparental custody, nonparental adults in a child's life.

It's neutral—simply marking the distinction between parental and other caregiving roles.

guardianship

foster care

Supervised substitute parenting

adoptionLegal family formation
custodianGuardian of a place
legal guardianCourt-appointed child protector

ward · trustee · conservator · kinship care · state custody · child welfare · temporary custody · protective services · juvenile court · emancipation

kinship

aunt

Parent's sister or equivalent

uncleMale family elder
grandparentParent once removed
siblingBrother or sister

cousin · niece · nephew · godparent · in-law · extended family · kinfolk · clan · relative · kin

mentorship

coach

One who instructs

advisorOne who gives guidance
tutorIndividual instruction provider
guideLeader or instruction book

counselor · teacher · instructor · trainer · role model · mentor · sponsor · elder · patron · confidant

Opposites

parental relationship status

nonparentalparental

Of mothers and fathers

maternal · paternal · motherly · fatherly · filial

Family

nonparent, nonparents

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G