Identifying Parental Codependency
Early childhood attachment issues typically lead to a person becoming a parent who has an intense need for a child to keep them in their life even after they are an adult. This is known as parental codependency, and it can be exhausting for the child as well as the parent. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4, ESV Why does a parent become codependent? Most parents who become codependent have experienced a childhood filled with dysfunction. They have been exposed to an environment with high expectations and severe discipline when those expectations were not met. The causes of parental codependency can arise from the following factors: Past trauma There are cases where codependent parents have trauma that has not been resolved. They may carry emotional wounds from childhood that cause them to seek acceptance from their child constantly. Lack of boundaries The presence of healthy boundaries is foundational for everyone. A parent with codependency issues finds it challenging to have clearly defined boundaries. Low self-esteem Codependency frequently stems from low self-esteem. Parents who have experienced low self-esteem as children tend to need the approval of their children to feel validated. Fear of being abandoned A major factor in codependency is the fear of abandonment. As a child becomes more independent, the parent may feel like they are being forgotten or left alone. Role perception The normal expectations of parents in society can create extra pressure for a codependent parent. A parent who has been taught that they are the source of support and identity for their child, will often struggle with defining themselves in their child’s achievements. How to Recognize Parental Codependency Understanding parental codependency is vital to recognizing the symptoms. The symptoms may seem [...]
