Parentification: Caregivers in Crises
The role reversal no one talks about—until it shapes everything.
Coming in October 2026, a book by author Homer Hartage, a leading authority on caregiving and guardianship.
You don’t see it in family photos.
You don’t hear it in “They’re so mature for their age.”
But you feel it—in the child who scans the room before they speak. In the kid who knows how to calm an adult down. In the “little helper” who isn’t helping at all… they’re holding the whole ship up.
That’s parentification. And in a world shaped by chronic stress, illness, instability, addiction, grief, and financial pressure, it isn’t rare. It’s simply rarely named.
Parentification: Caregivers in Crises is the book that finally gives language to this family dynamic.
Not with finger‑pointing. Not with clinical distance. But with clarity, compassion, and precision that makes readers stop and say
“That’s it. That’s what happened to me.”
When Children Become the Support System
In healthy families, children contribute. That’s normal. That’s the connection. But parentification is something else entirely.
Parentification occurs when a child is pulled—quietly or directly—into adult roles: emotional stabilizer, mediator, confidant, caretaker, problem‑solver. Sometimes it’s obvious. More often, it’s invisible. And over time, the child becomes what the household depends on.
This book makes the distinction clear by naming the two most common forms:
The issue is not responsibility. The issue is role reversal—when support becomes obligation, and obligation becomes identity.
Why This Book
and Why Now
Parentification is not only a family issue. It is a systems issue. When support structures fail, children become the structure. When a crisis becomes chronic, role reversal becomes normalized.
Scheduled for publication in October 2026, Parentification: Caregivers in Crises arrives as both a spotlight and a tool—designed to help families recognize patterns, understand long‑term impact, and move toward healthier roles without shame.
Because naming the dynamic is not the end of the story. It’s the beginning of change. We’re building an early community of parents, educators, professionals, and people who have lived this story.
Book Reviews
I read the book “Family & Professional Guardianship” by Homer L. Hartage and found it very helpful. I liked that the author explains the complicated topic of guardianship in a clear way that I can understand. He used real-life examples to illustrate the different scenarios that can arise during the guardianship process.
I found it very helpful that the book also discusses the different types of guardianship, such as family guardianship and professional guardianship, and their pros and cons, which can help (me) (people) decide which type is best for the situation. I highly recommend this book because it’s informative and provides valuable insights and guidance for both family members and professionals.
Grace Michael
After reading this book, I have a full understanding of guardianship. This book broke down the steps for me to understand what I need to do to seek guardianship, and it provided resources on how to do it.
This book is absolutely amazing and provides all the knowledge of successfully taken care of a loved one through a guardianship program or being a guardian yourself. Thank you so much.
Shirley Simmons
I met Homer Hartage in 1990 and my first impression still holds true – Homer Hartage is a man who cares about people. Family and Professional Guardianship endeavors to help not only people who are unable to take care of themselves but also those who care for them. Knowledge is power and whether you are seeking this information for personal or professional use, this is a comprehensive source for you.
The book is written in clear, precise language that does not require legal knowledge to understand. The book is organized in a logical, easy-to-follow format and gives case studies which show how the process works. If you need information about guardianship practices in Florida, this is the book for you.
Naomi Cooper
This is a good resource for those who want to gain a better understanding of the legal and practical issues concerning guardianship in Florida. I liked the level of details on the various types of guardianship and the entire process, from determining incapacity to the appointment of guardians.
Overall, the guide is direct and well-organized, with plenty of practical advice that should be helpful to families seeking guardianship services or those interested in becoming guardians.
Metauser
Books By Homer
My writings are to ensure that no life is reduced to just paperwork, no story disappears without being told, and no family is left navigating responsibility alone.
My work resonates with caregivers, families, professionals, and anyone who believes that memory, dignity, and responsibility are essential. My book catalog includes trade and children’s books.
Partner Bookstores
You have the option to purchase the book on the AgedCare Guardian website or any of our trusted partner bookstores. Simply click below on the brand of your choice and order your copy at our partners’ online stores.
Distributed by IngramSpark and Baker & Taylor.
