VeryWell Mind: Wait, Is My Anxious Attachment Caused by Glass Child Syndrome?

 


All signs point to yes


By Katharine Chan, MSc, BSc, PMP
Updated on July 11, 2024
Reviewed by
Ivy Kwong, LMFT


Growing up with a sibling who had complex needs such as chronic illness or disabilities probably meant you often felt “invisible” to your parents. You knew your siblings needed more help than you, so you learned to take care of yourself at an early age.

You’re self-sufficient, responsible, and helpful. But you may also struggle with mental health challenges like perfectionism or people-pleasing and find it difficult to set boundaries. If this sounds familiar, you may have grown up as a glass child.


What Is a “Glass Child”?

“Glass child” is not a medical condition or mental health diagnosis, but a colloquial term used to describe certain challenges and strengths experienced by a child who grew up with a high-needs sibling.

“Glass children learn early on in their lives to meet their own needs and express very little," she says. “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. Unfortunately, this strength is also a vulnerability to the child as it makes it hard for them to reach out when they do need support.”

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