Background: Asthma is a common chronic illness known for acute exacerbations with frequent hospitalizations. Their quality of life is affected with limited physical activity and school absenteeism. The parental perception of illness is crucial for successful management and ensuring long term compliance. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding asthma among the parents of asthmatic children. Methods: 500 parents of asthmatic children attending special asthma OP in a medical college were interviewed with a questionnaire by a principal investigator. Results: 36% parents were aware of the diagnosis. 35% were reluctant to accept the diagnosis. 5% were aware of all aspects of the disease. 15% children were on inhalers, of these 85% were non-compliant. Conclusion: Parental perception of the disease is poor and reflects their reluctance to accept the diagnosis. This can be achieved by setting up of specialized asthma clinics, educating the parents and timely initiation of inhalers with written action plan.