Parents are a child's first and most important teachers, and they are the primary architects of their child's environment. This makes parents powerful agents of change and essential partners in addressing the problem of childhood overweight and obesity. Information overload, a culture of parental blame, stigmatization of parental help seeking, and insufficient attention to effectively supporting the adult behaviour change that is inherent to parenting skills development, are amoung the biggest obstacles facing those who seek to work with parents. Drawing on the the latest research into parenting, as well as insights from contemporary practice in parenting support, this presentation will highlight factors that need to be considered if we are to successfully engage and support parents in making and sustaining change towards healthier family lifestyles. Illustrations of promising practices and approaches will be drawn from the Parenting Research Centre's research and development program in parenting support, and their relevance to the field of obesity prevention discussed.