The suffering goodness: an overview on experiences and needs from a group of young caregivers

This article is aimed at prompting a preliminary reflection on young caregivers in Italy. These children, under the age of 18, regularly provide assistance to their family’s members (co-resident or not) with care and supervision needs. Carrying out regular care work during childhood results in significant consequences for their psycho-physical health. Although they perform a crucial role in their families, young caregivers are hidden in our society. Considering the special features of the phenomenon, a research was conducted with the aim to underline young caregivers’ characteristics. A focus group was created based on participatory research with students from a junior high school in the Municipality of Milan (Italy). The research highlights the motivations and consequences of these caregiving activities and the needs of some young caregivers in Italy.