Parentification

Parentification is a big word that explains when a child takes on responsibilities that should be done by an adult, like a parent. Think about when you help your parents with chores around the house, like folding clothes, taking out the trash or cleaning up after dinner. These are things that adults normally do, but sometimes children take on these tasks because their parents are not able to do them or they feel like it's their job to help out.

When a child takes on too many responsibilities, it can start to affect them in different ways. For example, they might start to feel like they can't be a kid and have fun because they have to do all of these important things. They may also start to feel stressed, overwhelmed or like they have to be in control of everything.

It's important for adults, like parents or caregivers, to recognize when a child is taking on too many responsibilities and to help them understand that it's okay to be a kid and have fun. They can also help by taking on more of the responsibilities themselves and making sure the child feels supported and loved.