Role Reversal: The act or instance of reversing one’s roles.
In many cases, role reversal is a voluntary act undertaken by two people who wish to change their traditional roles in life. For example, a stay-at-home mother may choose to return to work while her husband becomes the primary caregiver for their children. Or an elderly parent may move in with their adult child and assume the role of dependent rather than provider.
While role reversal can be a positive choice made by two consenting adults, it can also occur involuntarily and unexpectedly as a result of changes in circumstances beyond anyone’s control. For example, job loss or serious illness can cause parents and children to switch roles as the former become dependents while the latter become breadwinners and caretakers.
Whatever the reason for role reversal, it can be a difficult adjustment for everyone involved. Traditional roles are deeply ingrained in our psyches, and it can be hard to let go of them even when it makes sense to do so. If you find yourself in a role reversal situation, here are some tips for making the transition:
Be honest with yourself about your feelings: It’s normal to feel uncomfortable or even resentful when your traditional role is reversed involuntarily. Acknowledge these feelings rather than trying to bottle them up; otherwise they may come out in destructive ways later on. Talking openly about your feelings with those involved in therole reversal can also help everyone deal with them more constructively.
Make sure your expectations are realistic: When switching roles with someone else, it’s important to have realistic expectations about what each person is capable of doing. Just because you’re used to being the one who cleans the house doesn’t mean you should expect your spouse to do everything exactly as you would; likewise, if you’re used to being independent, don’t expect your elderly parent to be able adapt immediately without any assistance from you. Communicate openly about what you’re expecting from each other so that there are no surprises down the road.
Be prepared for bumps in the road: Role reversals seldom go smoothly from start to finish; there will likely be hiccups along the way as everyone gets used to their new responsibilities. Try not t