In terms of emotional development, parents are usually expected to serve as role models for their children. However, this is not always the case. While occasional lapses in emotional control may not be seen as problematic, for some children, their parents' inability to manage emotions can have serious long-term effects. Laura, a 34-year-old woman, spent her childhood learning to manage her mother's emotions. "I literally became my mother's therapist from childhood, and it was sometimes difficult to manage," she recalls. This phenomenon has a specific name in psychology: **parentification**. It refers to a situation where children take on the emotional or caregiving responsibilities typically reserved for parents. Researchers describe it as a scenario where the child assumes adult roles, often at the expense of their own emotional and psychological needs. This can happen in families where parents are emotionally unavailable or struggling with their own mental health. The effects of **parentification** can be profound. It can lead to psychological distress, challenges in family relationships, and difficulties in forming a clear sense of self. Children who are parentified may develop a constant need for control and struggle to ask for help, as they have learned to prioritize others' needs over their own. According to a study, **parentification** can distort the parent-child relationship, leading to emotional and psychological harm. Researchers note that psychological distress is a central theme in these cases, and the blurring of family boundaries often precedes and results from **parentification**. Additionally, the study highlights that children who are parentified may associate their self-worth with their ability to care for others, leading to a less developed sense of self at an older age. In some cases, this dynamic can even result in an insecure attachment style, which can hinder the ability to form healthy relationships and thrive in daily life. For those who have spent their childhood managing their parents' emotions, breaking free from this role can be challenging but crucial. Detaching from the role of caregiver requires learning to listen to one's own emotions again. A simple yet powerful question can be a starting point: "And me, am I okay?" Setting personal boundaries is also essential, beginning with the understanding that one is not responsible for their parents' emotions. Ultimately, supporting one's parents is a choice, but carrying their emotional burdens should not become an obligation. Recognizing and addressing **parentification** can help individuals reclaim their sense of self and build healthier, more balanced relationships.