Parentification in Immigrant Children

Ever felt like you grew up too fast? Many children of immigrants have. Behind their maturity, kindness, and resilience often lies something deeper: parentification.

What is parentification? Parentification happens when a child takes on adult roles or responsibilities that go beyond what’s developmentally appropriate. Instead of receiving care, they become the caregiver emotionally, practically, or even financially.

In immigrant families, this can show up in many ways:

• Translating documents, medical forms, or conversations for parents who are learning a new language.

• Handling adult tasks like paying bills, scheduling appointments, or managing family finances.

• Providing emotional support to parents dealing with stress, loss, or isolation in a new country.

• Becoming the “bridge” between home culture and the outside world—constantly code-switching to help the family adapt.

While these children often grow into capable, empathetic adults, the cost can be heavy. They might struggle to set boundaries, feel guilty for prioritizing themselves, or experience burnout and anxiety from years of carrying invisible responsibilities.

Therapy can help lighten the load. In therapy, individuals can:

• Recognize that their worth isn’t tied to caretaking.

• Reconnect with parts of themselves that never got to be “just kids.”

• Build boundaries and self-compassion without guilt.

• Begin healing from the emotional burden of early responsibility.

Parentification is a story of survival and love in complex circumstances. With support, it’s possible to honor that past while learning to live with more balance, freedom, and self-kindness.