How does a narcissist treat their children?
Narcissistic parents often have very different ways of treating their children. Depending on the specific dynamics at play, a narcissistic parent may treat their children with a mixture of love, admiration, and neglect.
On the one hand, narcissists often lavish their children with praise and make them the center of their world. This can lead the child to grow up believing they are special and the center of attention.
However, the same amount of attention and love is rarely given to the child when they make mistakes or don’t meet expectations. This kind of treatment can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and insecurity.
Additionally, narcissistic parents may also manipulate their children for their own gain and make them feel like they are ‘owed’ something from them. This may mean taking advantage of the child’s resources, including time, money, and love, without ever making any reciprocal effort to give back.
Ultimately, the way that a narcissist parent treats their children is often damaging and can have long-term consequences on the child’s wellbeing.
Can a narcissist be obsessed with their child?
Yes, a narcissist can be obsessed with their child. A narcissist sees their child as a possession, and they may focus all of their attention on them in order to gain praise and recognition for being a ‘good parent’.
However, this intense focus is often not beneficial for the child in the long run. The child may feel deprived of autonomy as the parent will micromanage everything from academics to social life. The child may also feel a strong sense of insecurity as they try to live up to their parent’s impossible expectations and fear of retribution should they fail.
As a result of this possessive, controlling behavior, the narcissist’s child may develop a need to please and may even demonstrate narcissistic traits themselves. Ultimately, while a narcissist may be obsessed with their child, it is often detrimental to the child’s development and self-esteem.