Understanding the silent burden of parentification

Understanding the silent burden of parentification (Photo: iStock)

You’ve probably heard about parentification but didn’t quite know what it meant, or perhaps you’ve even witnessed it without having a name for it. It’s that subtle shift where a child, often quietly, steps into responsibilities far beyond their years, effectively becoming a miniature adult in the household.

At 12 years old, Shiru could cook rice, bathe a baby, and rock her toddler brother to sleep on her hip, all while mentally preparing for a math test the next morning. Her father lived with them, but mostly stayed in his room watching TV. Her mother, though physically present, was usually too overwhelmed or emotionally checked out to function. The message was clear: take care of your siblings, or no one will.