The Unique Experiences of Parents

This chapter discusses the literature related to parenting identity. It analyzes the impact of becoming a parent on adults by examining the literature on topics including the impact of self-worth on parent identity, research on the costs and rewards of being a parent, and how adults are impacted by parenthood. This chapter also deals with the moderating factors that impact the parenthood experience, as well as how play therapists can utilize these factors to better understand the parents they work with. The chapter also discusses the dual role of parent and play therapist and includes a self-assessment form that play therapists can use to better understand the parenting experience, both those who identify as parents and those who do not. The chapter serves to develop empathy for parents as well as outline the nuanced experiences that parents may face prior to interacting with a play therapist.