11. Parent or friend? The hidden struggle of being my mom's best friend

This episode is HEAVY. I've been working on myself for a few years, and in doing so I've uncovered some traumas and brought to light some hard truths.  In this episode, I open up about my relationship with my parents. It's an emotional journey, and I don't make it through without shedding a few tears. My extremely supportive guest, Stephany Weingartner and I explore the concept of parents as friends. We discuss some difficult situations we experienced growing up, highlighting how complex parent-child relationships can be.  This conversation isn't easy, but I hope that by being open and vulnerable, I can encourage others to start similar discussions in their own lives and begin the healing they deserve.   In this episode, we cover:  How the roles and responsibilities of being a parent differ from those of being a friend.  The challenges of parent-child role confusion and enmeshment that can occur when parents treat their children as friends. What happens when parents rely on their children as confidants, or lean on them for emotional support. It can create lasting effects on the child's mental well-being.  The concept of parentification—when children are made to take on adult-like caregiving or emotional responsibilities for their parents. The importance of setting boundaries, maintaining a clear parental role, and protecting children from adult burdens and responsibilities.   Resources & Links: Clinical psychologist Maddy Drew says while your child is still young, parents should avoid pursuing a friendship with them. Licensed mental health counselor Chautè Thompson explains there is a difference between being friendly with your children, and being friends.  This article includes the study that illustrates what could happen when children are treated as their parent's confidant. (Koerner et al 2002)   Connect with Christine: Follow on Instagram Check out my website   Be sure to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!