Glossary
Parentification
When a child is pushed into adult or parent-like roles, such as caring for siblings or a parent, beyond what fits their age.
Parentification happens when a child is pushed into parent-like or adult roles and responsibilities that are too much for their age. A 2023 systematic review of 95 studies (opens in a new tab) defines it as youth being forced to take on developmentally inappropriate parent- or adult-like roles. It can mean regularly caring for younger siblings, looking after an ill or struggling parent, managing the household, translating for the family, or being a parent's main emotional support.
What the research found:
- it is a global pattern, seen on six continents;
- some parentified young people show positive outcomes, such as strong coping skills;
- common harms include emotional problems, behavior problems and poorer physical health;
- a young person's own traits, what they gain from the role, and the support they get all shape how it affects them.
Helping in the family isn't the problem; the load and the lack of support are. The AAP (opens in a new tab) notes, for example, that an older child who is frequently burdened with babysitting a younger one may feel real anger. Older siblings who help should still get time for school, friends and rest, and someone who takes care of them. See older siblings as caregivers and siblings and aging parents.
What you can do today: if an older child helps a lot at home, thank them and give them an afternoon off.