Phrasal Verbs Related to Parenting

Phrasal Verbs Related to Parenting

Phrasal Verbs Related to Parenting

Hello English learners! Parenting can be both challenging and rewarding, can’t it? Today, we will look at some common phrasal verbs related to parenting — the kind of expressions you will hear native speakers use when talking about bringing up children.

These are perfect for B2–C1 learners, especially if you are preparing for the B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE) Cambridge exams.

Let’s dive in!

Bring up            

Meaning: to raise or care for a child until they are an adult.

• My grandparents brought me up in the countryside.
• Parents should bring up their children to be kind and respectful.

Look after         

Meaning: to take care of someone.

• Can you look after the kids while I run to the shop?
• She’s been looking after her baby full-time since he was born.

Tell off 

Meaning: to scold or speak angrily to someone.

• Mum told me off for leaving my toys on the floor.
• The teacher told off the students for being late.

Grow up            

Meaning: to become an adult.

• I grew up in a small town by the sea.
• Kids grow up so quickly these days!

Phrasal Verbs Related to Parenting

Get along (with)             

Meaning: to have a friendly relationship.

• Do your children get along with each other?
• I’m glad my son gets along with his classmates.

Look up to        

Meaning: to admire or respect someone.

• Many children look up to their parents as role models.
• I’ve always looked up to my father’s patience.

Take after         

Meaning: to resemble a parent in looks or behaviour.

• Emma takes after her mum; they’re both very artistic.
• He definitely takes after his dad in terms of temper.

Pick up

Meaning: to learn something naturally or by watching others.

• Children pick up languages much faster than adults.
• My daughter picked up some bad habits from her friends.

Turn out            

Meaning: to develop in a particular way.

• I’m proud of how well my kids turned out.
• Nobody knew he’d turn out to be such a talented musician.

Phrasal Verbs Related to Parenting

Fall out (with)  

Meaning: to argue and stop being friendly.

• The twins fell out over a toy but made up quickly.
• Parents sometimes fall out with their teenagers over rules.

Make up            

Meaning: to become friends again after an argument.

• They always argue, but they make up soon after.
• It’s important to make up after disagreements.

Put up with       

Meaning: to tolerate someone or something unpleasant.

• Parents often have to put up with sleepless nights.
• I can’t put up with this mess any longer!

Take care of      

Meaning: to look after someone’s needs.

• Parents take care of their children’s health and safety.
• It’s our job to take care of them, not spoil them.

Tell (someone) off         

Meaning: to reprimand.

• Dad told me off for being rude.
• The coach told the boys off for not listening.

Phrasal Verbs Related to Parenting

Calm down

Meaning: to become or help someone become less upset.

• She calmed the baby down by singing softly.
• Parents need to calm down before reacting to misbehaviour.

Run after

Meaning: to chase or follow.

• I’ve been running after my toddler all day!
• Don’t run after him — he just wants attention.

Phrasal Verbs Related to Parenting

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