Children who grow up in a home with a mentally ill parent may have social-emotional development problems.

Stigma by association can occur for children of parents with mental illness.

A new book offers validation and hope to kids growing up with a parent who struggles with their mental health.

Children living with a parent who struggles with their mental health can face unique challenges.

Research shows that children who grow up in a home with a parent with mental illness tend to have problems related to their social-emotional development (Honda et al., 2023).

Stigma by association can occur for children of parents with mental illness (COPMI). Stigma can be internalized and even contribute to the intergenerational transmission of mental health issues (Dobener et al., 2022). COPMI can feel burdened by their parents’ unpredictable emotions, and parentification or role reversal can occur as the child attempts to take care of the parent.

As children approach late adolescence, they must navigate this stage’s developmental task of individuation by choosing self-sacrifice and prioritizing caregiving over their own needs, finding a balance between caring for their parent and themselves, or severing ties to protect their autonomy (Tonina Liriel Aurel, 2025).

COPMI are also more likely to inherit mental health issues themselves. Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are particularly heritable, according to genetic research (Nield, 2025).

Picture book author Lisl Detlefsen’s beautiful book, My Mom is Like a Kite, speaks directly to the unique experience of growing up with a parent who........

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