Parenting Parenting was the set of skills and methods used in the practice of raising child ren , which fell within the medical science study of pediatrics . When Data created his " daughter " Lal , in 2366 , he understood parenting to be " the consequences of creating a new life , " and as such , took it upon himself to prepare for Lal ' s upbringing by scanned all available literature on parenting , which he noted was confusing subject . He stated that " " One traditional doctrine insists , " " Spare the rod , spoil the child , " " suggesting a punitive approach . While a more liberal attitude allows a child great freedom . " " Data also learned that Klingon parenting seemingly contradicted both doctrines . Later , when Starfleet wished to take Lal from Data , he explained that he could not give up his child , because " " It would violate every lesson I have learned about Human parenting . " " He felt that since he " brought a new life into this world , " it was " " [ his ] duty , not Starfleet ' s , to guide her through these difficult steps to maturity , to support her as she learns , to prepare her to be a contributing member of society . " " ( ) When Kes underwent a premature " elogium " in 2371 , she briefly considered becoming a parent with Neelix , with whom she was at that time romantically involved . However , she questioned her own ability to be a mother , wondering how she could provide proper guidance to a child when she was still essentially a child herself . Neelix had never previously considered becoming a father and was thus initially hesitant to take Kes up on her offer ; however , after consulting with Tuvok , who related to him his own experiences as a parent , Neelix eventually changed his mind . By this time , however , Kes had decided not to conceive , though she promised Neelix that they might have another chance if he were willing to wait ( however , Kes terminated their relationship long before this time ) . ( ) " In an alternate timeline , Kes did eventually become a parent , bearing a child with Tom Paris sometime around 2375 . This child went on to marry Harry Kim , bearing a child of her own with him around 2378 . " ( ) When The Doctor created his own holographic family in late 2373 , which B ' Elanna Torres later " tweaked " to make more " real " , he utilized information in intended to use his personal database on " pediatric care and childhood development " to assist him in preparing for potential parenting problems . As a result , he decided to set some parameters for his children , which he explained to them was part of " good parenting . " These parameters , which he described as " limits " or " boundaries " , were outlined in his revised family schedule and his list of family rules and regulations . ( ) In 2377 , upon learning his wife B ' Elanna was pregnant , Tom Paris , facing the responsibility of raising a baby , sought counsel on parenting from Tuvok as the only crewmember aboard who had experienced fatherhood . Tuvok , who felt his parenting skills were somewhat dormant as it had been many years since his children were young , was able to offer that " " offspring can be disturbingly illogical , yet profoundly fulfilling . You should anticipate paradox . " " Likewise , in anticipation of Torres ' pregnancy , The Doctor developed a parenting class especially for Paris and Torres based on the expansion of his personal database in obstetrics and pediatrics . Among the areas The Doctor planned to explore in his parenting class were birthing techniques , feeding options , and bonding strategies . ( )