Parentification and related processes: distinction and implications for clinical practice

With the emergence of what we call « new families », the place and the role of the child are increasingly questioned. If a child helps a parent or takes care of them, the terms “parentified child”, “parental child” or “adult child” are used equally. However, these concepts hide different processes that have different impacts on the child’s development. In the present article, based on our doctoral research and clinical practice experience, we will try to make the distinction between these concepts and to illustrate them. We are convinced that by a better identification of each process, we can help therapists and social workers in their interventions with children and their families.