LibraryScenariosWhen childhood parentification becomes adult identity
Scenario

When childhood parentification becomes adult identity

I have been taking care of my alcoholic mother since I was seven and now at thirty-five I do not know who I am without someone to save.

Patan
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

The inner child's development was arrested by premature responsibility, making caretaking feel like the only legitimate way to exist.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Inner child work and reparenting?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.