Signs that someone was parentified as a child include:
• They were given responsibilities that were not appropriate for their age.
• They grew up feeling like they always had to be responsible.
• They were pulled into arguments or issues between caregivers.
• They consistently had trouble playing or “letting loose.”
• They often received compliments for being “so good” and “so responsible.”
• They feel that being self-reliant is better than trying to trust others.
• They don’t really remember “being a kid.”
• They find that being a caretaker feels good, even when they sacrifice parts of themselves.
• They feel like they need to be the peacemaker.