Redditor Ta_beatewas pushed into this role at 8 when her little sister was born and theirmomcouldnt look after them.
It describes the reversal of roles when a kid leaves their childhood to act as a caregiver.
Reasons why children areforcedto take on parents roles vary.
Financial issues and divorce are additional factors that can lead to parentification.
Children who are pushed to mature quickly can experience severe effects, as they often skip certain developmental stages.
They are important for forming our personalities and setting the basis for adulthood.
It also causes troubles in adulthood, with many continuing to be supporters, advice givers, or listeners.
In fact, its been found to be good for them, as long as the tasks are age-appropriate.
Distinguishing between giving the child educational duties and adult responsibilities might be difficult.
Children who go through parentification dont always need treatment.
But if theyre experiencingnegativeeffects, it might be beneficial to see a mental health professional.
Sometimes adults who were parentified benefit from treatment as well.
Besides, healing can help improve their parenting in the future.
Becky Kennedy, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in New York City, mentions a method called reparentification.
Such deep-seated patterns can be hard to break out of, but working with your inner child can help.
However, the consequences of parentification are not all bad.
Many people who experience it develop strong caregiving tendencies, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
In addition, they exhibit better interpersonal skills and independence.
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