If you're the child of a narcissistic mother or father, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to deal with their selfishness and constant need for attention. It can be an emotional roller coaster, and you may often feel like you're walking on eggshells to avoid triggering their narcissistic parental rage. However, if you have no clue what kind of parent you have, and all you know is that he or she is increasingly stressful to be around, keep reading because chances are your parent may be a narcissist.
1. A narcissistic parent is always right.
No matter what you say or do, a narcissistic parent will always find a way to make themselves look like the victim and you look like the bad child, ungrateful, disloyal, ignorant, etc. If you try to stand up for yourself, they will gaslight you and make you question your own reality.
2. A narcissistic parent is never wrong.
Narcissistic mothers and fathers are never wrong – in their own eyes, at least. They will always blame someone else for their own mistakes and shortcomings. If you point out their flaws, they will either deny them or turn the tables and accuse you of being the narcissistic one.
3. A narcissistic parent is always the center of attention.
Narcissistic parents need to be the center of attention at all times. They are always seeking validation and approval from others. If you try to steal the spotlight, they will become jealous and resentful.
4. A narcissistic parent is overly critical.
Narcissistic parents are notoriously critical. They are never satisfied with anything you do and will always find fault with your accomplishments. They may also belittle your interests and hobbies in an effort to make you feel inferior.
5. A narcissistic parent is manipulative.
Narcissistic mothers and fathers are experts at manipulation. They will use emotional blackmail, guilt trips, and other forms of coercion to get what they want from you. They may also try to control your behavior by threatening to withdraw their love or support.
6. A narcissistic parent is self-absorbed.
Narcissistic parents are completely self-absorbed and lack empathy for others. They only care about their own needs and wants and have no consideration for how their actions may affect others.
7. A narcissistic parent is jealous and envious.
Narcissistic parents are often jealous and envious of their children’s success or happiness. They may try to sabotage your relationships or achievements in order to keep you “under their control”.
8. A narcissistic parent is overly competitive.
Narcissistic parents are often very competitive, both with their children and with others. They need to be the best at everything and can’t stand to see anyone else succeed. This can make it very difficult for their children to feel good about their own accomplishments.
9. A narcissistic parent is narcissistic.
This one may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that not all parents are narcissistic. Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Mothers and fathers with this disorder often have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships due to their selfish and narcissistic behaviors.
10. A narcissistic parent is abusive.
Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional abuse that is perpetrated by someone with a narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissistic parents are often very controlling and manipulative, and they may use emotional blackmail, gaslighting, and other forms of manipulation to control their victims.
Narcissistic abuse can have serious consequences for the victim’s mental and physical health. If you think you may have a narcissistic mother or father, please seek help from a qualified professional.
Nicholl McGuire is the owner and contributor of this blog and the author of Tell Me Mother You’re Sorry and Say Goodbye to Dad
