me_irl

That is a gigantic leap…

From the narrative, sure. But that's the cliche they're leaning on.

This is exactly my issue with this post.

I agree. Like I said, "Jaws Music". The post is supposed to imply a lot more than they're willing to make explicit.

We can talk hypotheticals all you want but if we are to make a point, it would be best to make a clear one

The point of the post is to simulate the feeling of looming dread, then use the emotional response to build empathy with the kid in the story.

I don’t think it’s fair to paint these parents as abusive

This is all allegorical. "These parents" aren't anyone specific. The implication is that the kid in the story is staving off abuse. But, as we've both noted, it's also possible the kid in question is comforting parents who are - themselves - the victims of abuse or neglect.

"Walking on eggshells" implies a consequence if you don't. The consequence could be a parent flying into a rage. It could also be a parent breaking into tears or falling into a fugue state. "I'm trying to avoid getting beaten by my parents" tells a very different story than "I'm trying to prevent my mom/dad from breaking down into a puddle of tears".

a cabinet slam and/or a father being quiet

Implies a high degree of tension.