A parentified child of divorce sacrifices their needs to care for the parent and the parent gives up their role to one or more of their children. A parentified child expresses ‘concern’ for the parent while the healthy emotional bond is absent. In essence, the child is not allowed to be a child. This dynamic has long-term negative consequences for the child and will be realized in interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships throughout the life of the child.

#499, Who is the Parent?