How to Identify Signs of Parentification
Common Signs of Parentification
In some cultures and communities, it is common for children and families to take on responsibilities to foster dependency on family members and community survival. Once responsibilities appear excessive or prevent the child from experiencing a fulfilling childhood, then they are likely experiencing parentification.
Instrumental Signs
- My peers do not have the same roles or responsibilities as me*
- I served as a translator for my family*
- I have to to care for my siblings, especially if they are younger*
- Mostly in charge of household chores, such as cleaning and doing laundry, for the family*
- Having a huge feeling of responsibility for others, especially family members
- Helping the family financially
Emotional Signs
- Do not have clear memories of “just being a kid”
- Feeling unappreciated by parents or primary caregivers
- Spent time “raising” siblings, providing them with advice and life lessons*
- Focusing on the emotions and feelings of others constantly
- Being in the middle of arguments between adults
*: Taken from Lisa Hooper’s Parentification Inventory