If you relate to any of the signs on this list, it might be helpful to get in touch with your inner child and allow yourself to experience that part of you.:

1. Don’t really remember "being a kid”
2. Trouble with play or “letting loose”
3. Like to feel in control
4. Pulled into arguments or issues between caregivers
5. Felt like you were given responsibilities that were not appropriate for someone your age
6. Often compliments for being “so good” and “so responsible”
7. May feel that being self-reliant is better than trying to trust others

Parentification is when a child is forced to take on the role of an adult. Many children get pushed into the role of caretake for their younger siblings or become the referee in their parent’s arguments.

When caregivers aren’t able to fully show up for themselves, children...