Narcissistic parents often lack the traits required to be a successful parent, such as self-awareness, compassion, patience and empathy.
As a psychologist who studies narcissism, I’ve found that kids of narcissistic parents can grow into adults who struggle with self-blame, self-doubt and a constant feeling that they aren’t enough.
While not all highly narcissistic parents behave the same way, there are some universal themes. Here are six toxic traits they share:
1. They are supportive in public but critical in private.
They might be front and center cheering their kids on at the soccer game. But they will criticize or devalue them in the privacy of the car or at home: “Why didn’t you try harder? You could have scored two more goals!”
A child might feel guilty for having any negative feelings because to everyone else, it seems like they are being raised by the “model parent.”
2. They create an atmosphere of mistrust.
To gain more power within the family unit, narcissistic parents will share gossip with their children (e.g. “Don’t tell your sister, but I found out that your cousin was caught stealing money.”) to foster a sense of “us versus them.”
One sibling may feel special if a secret was shared with them and no one else, creating an unhealthy precedent of hearing gossip and innuendo as being loved and receiving a parent’s approval.
3. They treat siblings differently.
Narcissistic parents play favorites. If they prize academic achievement, for example, they might overlook a kid who struggles in school, in favor of the one who gets straight A’s.
This may not only undermine sibling relationships, but could also leave them fighting for the parent’s attention and time.
4. They view their kids as an extension of themselves.
If the child does what the parent wants them to do, then that child will be praised and valued. If they don’t, they may be ignored or criticized.
Many children, in a desperate attempt to win over their narcissistic parents, will sacrifice parts of…
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