Youre self-sufficient, responsible, and helpful.
But you may also struggle with mental health challenges likeperfectionismorpeople-pleasingand find it difficult to set boundaries.
If this sounds familiar, you may have grown up as a glass child.
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What Is a Glass Child?
They come across as highly mature and even-tempered.
This can be a strength as grown-ups in their life tend to feel positive about their presentation.
Resentment and Guilt
An intensive needs child can bring a lot of love and support.
Or the needs of their other children.
Because of this, some siblings may feel jealous or resentful.
Glass children “may even feel guilty for having negative feelings towards their siblings,” Wu says.
The Role of Culture
Wu adds that culture also plays an important component in family relationships.
For instance, “in Asian cultures, sibling gender and order informs their family roles.
First-born sons and daughters may feel the additional burdens of taking care of their families,” Wu says.
Traditional gender roles may cause eldest daughters to be their familys caretakers," she says.
Or, write theirfeelings in a journal.
Ask about their feelings and emotions and listen with presence and attention when they respond.
This helps them learn that they and their needs are valid and important.
Parents can even engage infilial therapy, which consists of actively playing with their children.
Glass children may not express needs in overt ways, but there are small signs that indicate emotional distress.
Support Groups
Harwood also suggests finding support groups for children with high-needs siblings.
Wu defines parentification as a child taking on parental duties for their siblings or parents.
“Parentification develops when children perceive their parents as too overwhelmed or incapable of fulfilling their parental duties.
“These caretaking siblings develop people-pleasing tendencies which may affect them into adulthood,” she adds.
