Ep 190: Parentification After Abuse: When Children Are Asked to Carry Adult Emotions

What happens when one parent leans on a child emotionally and you are determined not to do the same?

Many protective parents notice it quietly at first.
Their child starts worrying about the other parent.
They feel responsible for adult emotions.
They try to comfort, reassure, or stabilize situations that are far beyond their role.

And when you are isolated, overwhelmed, or under constant pressure, the temptation to lean back can feel very real.

In this episode, Sybil explores why children are so often pulled into adult emotional roles after abuse, separation, or high conflict co parenting and why resisting that pull is one of the most protective parenting choices you can make.

This episode is not about shaming parents who are struggling.
It is about understanding impact, preserving family hierarchy, and keeping children emotionally safe even when the other parent does not.

Links to episodes mentioned:

Episode 56: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-56-start-healing-from-moral-injury-with-guest-dr/id1633920067?i=1000621633927

Episode 50: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-50-how-narcissistic-abuse-leads-to-moral-injury/id1633920067?i=1000616005777

Parenting to Combat Coercive Control Live Workshop, Feb 18th 2026: https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/coercive-control

Download the free script guide, Protective Parenting Scripts for Hard Moments: https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/parentingscripts

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