Childhood sexual abuse can sometimes reach into adulthood and result in a mother that is emotionally withdrawn, dependent on her children for emotional support, and unable to take on the role of an adult. [1]

Children are hardwired to try and please their parents, as this allows the parent to nurture and guide their children.

Being a parent who is emotionally withdrawn and dependent for emotional support will result in two things:

1. The parent will offer little comfort or attention to the child due to their emotional withdrawal.
2. The child will expend most of their energy trying to appease or help their parent.

In other words, the parent is exploiting their children in a one-sided relationship that robs the child of the comfort and attention that is required for development.

This is referred to as parentification. [2]

Comfort and attention show children that they can trust others and fosters a healthy attachment style. Exploitation, and lack of comfort will show children that people are selfish, exploitative and cannot be trusted. [3]

Reference

[1]: The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

[2]: Harming Your Child by Making Him Your Parent (psychcentral.com)

[3]: Three Ways to Raise Secure Children | Psychology Today