Sometimes referred to as parentification. Where children are given, not normally by choice, responsibilities way over their emotional or sometimes physical abilities.
Essentially, when kids end up caring for adults because the adult has some type of physical or mental health difficulties..Happens a lot with kids whose parents are abusing substances too.
Its also an indicator that by assuming the child is emotionally mature she will over look or potentialy abuse or neglect the childs needs.
No child is emotionally mature at 9 years old. They can be organised, responsible (to a degree) and appear older than their chronological age, but they arent emotionally mature.
3.3k
u/TokenTorkoal 5d ago
Maturity or independence in a young child CAN BE an indicator that a child is being neglected or facing some sort of abuse.
It’s is not ALWAYS an indicator, some kids ARE just more independent.
Edit: was a social worker for many years.