Is Your Parent a Narcissist?
Narcissistic parents are often characterized by their inflated sense of self-importance, their need for admiration, and their lack of empathy for others. They may also be critical, demanding, and controlling.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of a narcissistic parent:
An exaggerated sense of self-importance: Narcissistic parents may have a grandiose sense of their own importance and achievements. They may believe that they are superior to others and that they deserve special treatment. They may put their own wants and needs above their children.
A need for admiration: Narcissistic parents may have a deep need for admiration and praise. They may constantly seek out recognition and affirmation from others.
A lack of empathy for others: Narcissistic parents may have difficulty understanding and empathizing with the feelings of others. They may be insensitive to the needs of their children and others.
Critical, demanding, and controlling behavior: Narcissistic parents may be critical, demanding, and controlling of their children. They may have unrealistic expectations and set high standards for their children's behavior.
Entitlement: Narcissistic parents may feel entitled to special treatment and privileges. They may believe that they deserve the best of everything and that they are not subject to the same rules as others.
Exploitation: Narcissistic parents may exploit their children for their own personal gain. They may use their children to boost their own self-image or to meet their own needs.
Gaslighting: Narcissistic parents may use gaslighting to manipulate and control their children. They may deny things that they have said or done, or they may make their children feel like they are crazy or imagining things.
It is important to note that not all parents who exhibit some of these traits are narcissistic. However, if a parent consistently and pervasively exhibits these traits in a way that causes significant distress or impairment in their child's life, it is possible that they may have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
Individuals with a narcissistic parent can grow into adults who struggle with assertiveness, boundary setting, and sense of self. Children of narcissists later also find themselves dating someone with narcissistic tendencies because toxic is familiar to them, and they unconsciously draw that in. If you find that this article resonates with you, consider seeking support and guidance from a therapist to talk about your experiences with a narcissistic parent. Visit Dr. Sherrie Campbell’s website for more info and to learn about her books on toxic family members.