Narcissism Glossary

a parent's emotions loaded onto the child

🧑‍🧒 Emotional spousification is the abusive pattern of a parent leaning improperly on a child for marital conflict, loneliness, and adult troubles — forcing them into a companion's role.

The child can end up holding adult problems and emotional responsibility far beyond their capacity.

Often seen in situations like these

The complaints about the spouse go to the child — along with the question of whose side they're on.

When this happens, try this

💡 A parent's loneliness and marital problems are not yours to solve. Asking for the heavy conversations to stop — or getting help from a trusted adult or counselor — is allowed.

Type explanatory concept · Topic Family, marriage & co-parenting · Term Emotional Spousification · Also known as Emotional Spousification

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