Reverse Parenting: The meaning of parenting is changing in the changing times. Nowadays, the trend of reverse parenting is in discussion where children start handling the emotional or domestic responsibilities of their parents at an early age. Although this may sound pleasant but according to psychologists it can also be a dangerous sign for the mental development of the child.

What is reverse parenting?

In simple words, when the roles of parents and children are interchanged, it is called reverse parenting or parentification. In this the child starts playing the role of an advisor, protector or caretaker for his parents. This is often seen in homes where parents are struggling with mental stress, illness or mutual disputes.

advantages or disadvantages

Initially, some benefits of reverse parenting may be visible. Such children become more intelligent, self-reliant and responsible than their age. They are able to take better decisions in difficult times. But the other side of the coin is very scary.

has a negative impact on mental health

Psychologists believe that when a child bears a burden greater than his age, his childhood gets lost somewhere. This may have the following disadvantages.

• At the age of playing, the child becomes mentally tired due to household worries. He is never able to remain carefree like children of his age.


• In order to take care of others, the child starts suppressing his emotions, which increases the risk of severe anxiety or depression in the future.


• When they grow up, such children have difficulty trusting others. They always want to be in the role of controller which creates conflicts in their personal relationships.


• The child puts the needs of his parents before his own, due to which he never knows what he himself wants in life.

What should parents do?

It is important that parents do not use children as a source of emotional support for their problems. Let children live their childhood. Make them responsible but give them a chance to make mistakes and learn as per their age. If your child has become too serious then it is time to make him a child again and not to be proud of his maturity.

Values ​​and responsibility are good but its cost should not be the mental peace of the child. It is very important for children to remain children for a healthy society.