7 Strategies For Dealing With a Narcissistic Parent

Dealing with a narcissistic parent can be an overwhelming and emotionally draining experience. Narcissistic parents often exhibit behaviors such as excessive need for admiration, entitlement, and a lack of empathy. Also, parents with narcissistic tendencies may shower their children with affection (a behavior known as “love bombing”), only to later put them down if they don’t meet their standards. All of these behaviors can significantly impact their children’s mental health and well-being. 

Fortunately, there are effective strategies for managing interactions with a narcissistic parent and minimizing their impact on your mental health. By setting firm boundaries in the relationship, limiting contact, seeking professional support, and practicing self-care, people can begin to reclaim their sense of self-worth and build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Below, we delve into how to deal with a narcissistic parent and explore common signs of parental narcissism.

7 tips for dealing with a narcissistic parent

Dealing with a parent’s narcissistic tendencies can be frustrating, but here are some strategies that may help.

Set firm boundaries

Clearly define what behaviors you will and will not tolerate from your narcissistic parent. Consistently enforcing these boundaries can help protect your feelings and prevent manipulative behavior from taking over your life. A mental health professional can help brainstorm some specific boundaries.

Limit contact

If possible, reduce the amount of time you spend with your narcissistic parent. Limited contact can help minimize their negative impact on your mental health, giving you space to heal and build your self-esteem.

Seek professional help

Engaging with a therapist who understands narcissistic abuse through in-person counseling or online therapy can provide invaluable emotional regulation and trauma coping strategies. Professional help can help you process your experiences with your narcissistic mother or father and develop healthy ways to handle your relationship with your parents.

Practice self-care

Prioritize activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental health. Regular self-care can help you stay resilient and balanced, reducing the stress caused by the trauma of dealing with a narcissistic parent.

Educate yourself

Learn about narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its effects on family dynamics. Understanding the root of your parent’s narcissistic behavior can provide clarity and reduce feelings of confusion or guilt.

Develop a support network

Connect with a friend, family member, or support group who understands the trauma of dealing with parental narcissism. A strong support network can offer emotional validation, practical advice, and a sense of community.

Maintain your independence

Focus on your own goals, mental health, and personal growth. Building a life and other relationships that are separate from your narcissistic parent’s influence can empower you and enhance your sense of self-worth. 

How to recognize narcissistic behavior

As a child, living with a narcissistic mother or father may make it hard to notice signs that they are a narcissist. However, understanding and recognizing parental narcissism is the first step towards protecting oneself and finding ways to cope with the challenging dynamics of such a relationship, as well as working towards a more healthy relationship. Here are a few common narcissistic traits to consider if you think one of your parents may have NPD or narcissistic tendencies. 

Excessive need for admiration

Narcissistic parents often demand constant praise and validation from their child. The parent may become upset or hostile if they feel they are not receiving enough admiration, putting their own emotional needs above their child’s.

Love bombing 

Narcissists often begin by showering their children with affection, a behavior known as love bombing. However, this is usually followed by devaluing the child through abuse or neglect, which can be very confusing for them.

Entitlement

A narcissistic father or mother often has inflated feelings of entitlement, believing they deserve special treatment and privileges. This sense of entitlement from narcissistic parents can lead to unreasonable demands and expectations from their children.

Criticism and blame

Narcissistic parents tend to be highly critical and blame their young or adult children for anything that goes wrong. This constant criticism can undermine a child’s self-esteem and create a pervasive sense of inadequacy.

Inability to handle criticism

Narcissistic parents often react poorly to any form of criticism, no matter how constructive. The parent may become defensive, angry, or dismissive, refusing to acknowledge any fault or imperfection in themselves.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with a narcissistic parent, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including personality disorders. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing the mental health effects of a narcissistic parent is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.