When Parent Becomes Peer: Loss of Intergenerational Boundaries in Single Parent Families

Abstract

This paper describes characteristics and treatment of one subtype of divorce produced single parent family, namely one in which intergenerational boundaries have become blurred and role expectations ill-defined. Characteristics include: (a) a late latency age child who typically resides with hislher mother, (b) abdication by the mother of the parental role, and (c) a parent-child relationship in which the mother functions as a peer/partner. Clinical intervention involves: (a) helping the mother return to her parental role and learn how to better resolve conflicts, (b) permitting the child to express thoughts and feelings more appropriately, and (c) examining and modifying parent-child communication patterns.