Were you ever the child who always tried to be “good” so your parents wouldn’t argue? The one who took responsibility from an early age to make sure everyone else was okay? The one who had to grow up sooner than they should have?

In her talk Stolen Childhood, psychologist, couples therapist and sex therapist Bea Bibók explores what happens when a child is given an adult role too early – and the invisible burdens we may continue to carry from this into adulthood.

In psychology, this phenomenon is known as parentification: when a child takes on the responsibilities of an absent or unavailable adult and becomes emotionally responsible for holding the family together. From the outside, this may look like a strong, independent and helpful child – but inside, it often leaves a painful sense of something missing.

Bea Bibók’s talk helps us recognize these patterns, understand how they work, and begin the journey back to ourselves.

The discussion is based on the ideas explored in her book of the same title and offers real support to those who would like to reclaim what they lost in childhood: a sense of inner security, self-love and freedom.