Parentified daughters take up many roles and responsibilities from early childhood. The caretaking positions that they take up result in many mental health challenges. This article explores the common traits of parentified daughters.

Over Responsible

Parentified daughters have an appalling and inescapable sense of responsibility. Whether it is caring for their siblings or taking care of household chores, they end up doing far more than what would be called age appropriate. This additional liability can lead to negligence towards one’s own wants and aspirations.

People-Pleasing Tendency

Daughters who are parentified often develop a people-pleasing personality. They might engage in people-pleasing activities to avoid conflict and disharmony. They might prioritize the wants and requirements of other people before their own needs. Developing a people-pleasing attitude from a younger age can hinder their personal growth and development.

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Difficulty Setting Boundaries

The caretaking role taken up by parentified daughters can make it very difficult for them to set boundaries. They might develop feelings of resentment when they are not able to express their requirements. It is eminent to set healthy boundaries in any relationship. Parentified daughters lack this quality, and it could lead to mental health challenges in the future.

Fear Of Abandonment

It is very common for them to feel an inexpressible fear of abandonment. A parentified daughter might be overly dependent on others. They might feel like their needs might need to be met. This intense fear can have an impact on many aspects of their life. Whether it is making career decisions or decisions for their relationships, the deep-rooted fear of abandonment can heavily engulf them.

Low Self-Esteem

Parentified daughters can start keeping their needs and desires at the side. This might result in a diminished sense of personal worth. A feeling of underappreciation and undervalue can envelop them. This might lead to lack of self-confidence in their potential.

Difficulty Expressing Emotions

Daughters that are parentified end up suppressing their deep and sincere emotions. They are always making extra efforts to satisfy the emotions of other members of their family. They might find it hard to identify their own emotions in the process. The intense need to meet others’ expectations can make it quite difficult for them to express their sincere feelings.

Struggle With Perfectionism

Parentified daughters might always want to avoid disappointment and criticism. This is why they would always learn ways to maintain high standards of perfectionism. They would like to make things perfect even if it comes at the cost of their well-being. The pressing need for perfection can not only be emotionally draining but also exhausting.

Relationship Issues

Last but not least, romantic relationships can suffer due to the caretaking role of parentified daughters. A relationship with a parentified daughter can never be as healthy. A parentified daughter may always feel like her partner needs caretaking similar to the family dynamic. She can even find it effortful to trust and depend on her partner. She might not know the boundaries of a reciprocal relationship.