Parenting is unique in that it is a culmination of several factors including learned behavior (what we learned from our parents) peer influence formal training/education social-economic factors as well as cultural traditions. There are however some common elements in regards to parenting such as the ones described by Baumrind in 1966.
Using sources like the Health and Human Services Child Welfare Information Gateway compare and contrast the information you covered in your course readings (especially the different styles of parenting) to what is being currently described as more current practices and thoughts on parenting