Parentification: “She never learned the language of her own needs”: Psychologist explains the hidden cost of being the ‘responsible’ eldest daughter and how parents can help |
She is often the one everyone can count on. She notices when her mother is stressed, keeps an eye on younger siblings, helps around the house and rarely asks for much herself. People call her “mature,” “sensible,” or “the responsible one.” But sometimes, what looks like maturity is actually a child learning to carry adult…