A new viral trend calling for “glass baby syndrome” is sweeping TikTok.
Many people who consider themselves glass children have taken to social media to share their experiences, family dynamics and life stories.
What is a “glass child”?
A “glass child” is someone who grew up with a sibling who should have been treated more carefully by their parents.
Dictionary of urban slang says: “Glass children are children who grow up in a family with a brother or sister who disproportionately consume parental energy. This may include a child with a significant physical or mental disability, as well as a child with an addiction, a serious illness, or serious behavioral problems.
“This child’s siblings are called glass children because their overworked parents are watching them and instead of seeing their needs… look straight ahead.”
Traits include that they are more mature than their peers because they have been given more mature responsibilities and some may feel that their needs have been ignored.
Experts also suggested that they may feel hopeless, isolated, depressed, anxious, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The term was popularized in 2010 by Alicia Maples, who described herself as a “glass child” in a TED Talk.
She had a brother with autism.
Why is it trending?
The phrase reached a new audience after some who consider themselves “glass children” shared their experiences on TikTok.
Videos are usually accompanied by audio that says, “Have you had enough love, my love? Why are you crying?”
One of them, who also grew up as a family therapist, said: “If you grew up with a brother or sister who had a disability or some kind of problem. Perhaps they had a chronic illness, or they simply sucked a disproportionate amount of energy out of your parents; You can be called the so-called glass child.
However, another wrote: “I may be a ‘glass baby’ but I met the cast of ‘Wizards of Waverly’ during my sister’s dream trip and hosted tea parties with my grandmother while she was in chemo.
“Yes, my mother didn’t pay much attention to me, but I don’t have cancer in the literal sense.”
Source: I News
With a background in journalism and a passion for technology, I am an experienced writer and editor. As an author at 24 News Reporter, I specialize in writing about the latest news and developments within the tech industry. My work has been featured on various publications including Wired Magazine and Engadget.