that parents often favor the child who demands the most, is the most dependent, or mirrors their own unresolved issues. By hyping up a \"lazy\" sibling, your mother validate her own caretaking efforts or control that child through enmeshment.
The \"Independent\" Scapegoat Because you are high-achieving and independent, your mother may assume you don\'t need validation or support, or she may resent your competence. This often leads to the hardworking child being unfairly labeled \"lazy\" or a \"sitting duck\" to keep them from stepping out of line.
Shifting Roles are not static. A parent can switch them based on who is currently serving their ego best, which is a key sign of a narcissistic family system.