We often think of relationships with narcissistic people in terms of those we choose to be with. However, there is another relationship we don’t choose that could be with a narcissistic personality. Our relationship with our parents is the foundation of our personal learning. How we nurture and care for children directly affects how we see ourselves, the world around us, and our places in it.
When it comes to regulating our moods, forming relationships with others, and managing our emotions, our parents are the most important role models we have, especially our mothers. How we relate to others and navigate personal relationships revolves directly around our experiences with our parents during our formative years. We look to our parents for support, encouragement, guidance, and love. But what happens to us if our father is unable to have a close relationship with us?
narcissistic personality disorder
A parent with narcissistic personality disorder can inflict an entirely different kind of parenting on a child, one that can take years to understand and overcome. Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a grandiose view of oneself in response to deeply ingrained fears. The narcissist holds himself to superiority and operates under a sense of entitlement. People with this mental condition are easily angered and quick to anger over the most innocuous of reasons, and they are unable to look critically at their behaviors.
A father with narcissism
The narcissistic parent will live through their children while at the same time marginalizing their own successes. These parents will gladly brag about their children to others, take credit for their accomplishments, yet feel inwardly threatened by their children’s individual development. These parents tend to be highly critical of their children and place unrealistic expectations on them in a manipulative manner.
Learn how to deal with a narcissistic parent
As children, we don’t fully understand that our parent is different from any other parent, and we can’t put the “narcissist” label on their behavior. But as adults, we can take the steps necessary to understand a personality disorder and learn how to manage and reduce its harmful effects on our lives.
We may find that a support system is needed to overcome the damage caused by being raised by a narcissistic parent and that seeking help from a professional or group environment is vital. If you need help dealing with the realities of a narcissistic parent, the best course of action is to find a therapist who specializes in emotional trauma therapy and an online program to keep you on track between sessions and offer support. The Essential Break Free Bootcamp has been examined by therapists and neuropsychologists as an effective step towards overcoming narcissistic abuse.
