Narcissists hold their children in high regard during the tender toddler stage, especially when receiving copious amounts of attention and praise from others for their parenting abilities. However, this idealization centers around the parent’s own role rather than the child’s individual development. As a toddler, you lack the ability to articulate thoughts, which narcissists find particularly appealing. They prefer obedient compliance and relish in the silence. The child’s dependence on them for every need, their crying for attention, and their reliance on parental presence all serve as a potent source of validation. There is no genuine parent-child relationship for the narcissist; it’s about owning and possessing this object they hold in their hands. However, as the child begins developing their own identity and distinct personality, the narcissist’s true colors start to emerge.
Sixth Reason: Love for Control and Compliance
As children progress through their developmental stages, particularly between the ages of 3 and 15, they are less likely to challenge authority figures. This developmental phase presents an opportunity for narcissistic parents to effectively mold their children into their desired image. At first glance, this may be mistaken as genuine affection, but it’s actually rooted in a hunger for control and unwavering compliance. These parents dictate every aspect of your life, determining which subjects you study, which school you attend, and even handpicking your friends. Your entire being becomes a mere extension of theirs, stripping away your individuality. Should you dare to express your unique qualities or deviate from their expectations in any way, you are branded as a troublemaker. A piercing alarm goes off in their minds, triggering an onslaught of attack and manipulation.
Favoritism and sibling manipulation expanding upon the previous point narcissistic parent parents frequently exhibit favoritism towards one child while neglecting or mistreating the others. They utilize the favored child as a strategic ally exploiting their position to manipulate and control their siblings for their own gain. This favoritism is devoid of genuine affection and instead functions as a tool to maintain dominance and control within the family dynamic. The narcissistic parent skillfully orchestrates the family like marionettes with each member dancing to their manipulative tune only the scapegoat burdened with the weight of dysfunction truly comprehends the underlying dynamics at play within the family structure.
In conclusion, it becomes evident that narcissistic parents are incapable of experiencing authentic love for their children. As someone who has personally grown up with narcissistic parents, both of whom epitomize these destructive traits, I can attest to the absence of genuine unconditional and healthy parental love. Instead, we are treated as possessions, extensions of their own ego, or pawns to further their own agenda. Any expression of individuality or divergence from their expectations is met with belittlement and attack as they strive to diminish and suppress our evolving identities. I hope you have found today’s episode enlightening, and I welcome you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Feel free to share this episode with others, and I eagerly anticipate our engagement in the next installment. Until then, may the journey of healing comments and persist.
Sharing is caring!
