“Listen, I hate you feeling insecure. I’m so proud of you! You’re the one thing in my life that I don’t have to worry about.” Amazing, thought Audre. So glad I can make your life easier. Ever heard of golden child syndrome, Mom? How about parentified child syndrome? Well, I have both. It’s an adultlike need to always be perfect. To never be a problem. To not cause chaos. To parent your actual parents. And guess what, Mom? When kids live under that kind of pressure, they usually end up suffering a mental breakdown, an ulcer, or both. So, thanks for that.
