Hey, I think you're a bit confused.
Since, Parenting as a gender is neutral, thus, it does not treat the child as property, but it helps in promoting the role of the parent. In many states, it appears as a part of new words so as replace other words like custody and visitation .
There is also another term known as Shared parenting which is very similar to joint custody in which both the parents will be sharing the responsibility for their children. But Shared parenting stresses the parental responsibility and also treats the child as an object of such responsibility. It thereby eliminates the win and loose theory that the term custody indicates.
Where as a parenting plan is a tern that accurately depicts a custody agreement. Since, the parenting is swiftly replacing the term custody, and also since the agreement that is in question is more of a long-range plan with suppleness, thus, the phrase parenting plan is being used more often. Therefore, the courts often require parents to give in a parenting plan jointly or separately for the court to consider that outlines schedules and other arrangements.
There is also a term known as Parenting time which is a word that will more precisely describing visitation.

So, I hope the term is clear to you now.

Hey maggy,
The lawyer mentioned the other day that there certain factors to be kept in mind while parenting . Any idea as to what these could be.. So there seems to be some rules and conditions for parenting, as I can see.

Hi,

Well, there are visitation rights and conditions determined by the courts of law.
i really dont know what "factors' you are really talking about .Maybe your lawyer can sort this out for you.

yes, beats me too !!! Can you please be clear as to what exactly you want to know, euphoria .I think what he exactly means is the visitation rights only which are set by the court.