Growing up with narcissistic parents can be physically, emotionally, as well as psychologically damaging to an extreme extent. Children who grow up with narcissistic parents often fail to get the proper psychological and emotional support they require in order to function as a healthy adult.
What’s the Effect of a Narcissistic Parent?
Self-centered parents often cause their child to become overly-sensitive and deeply insecure.
Here’s more on what narcissistic parenting does to children:
They May Become People Pleasers
People who grow up under narcissistic parents often feel the need to please everyone around them. They often over-inflate others’ expectations of them and work hard to please them. As such, they may often feel as if they’re not doing enough and may overexert themselves in many areas of life.
They’re also extremely vulnerable to others’ opinions of them and may be emotionally affected by negative remarks.
Feelings of Anxiousness or Insecurity
Narcissistic parents regularly gaslight their children, starving them of emotional support and attachment. They are also more critical of their children and underappreciate their efforts. Growing up in such an environment can cause one to become co-dependent, especially when it comes to emotional support.
Self-blame and Perfectionism
Narcissistic parents often have unreasonable demands for their children, which results in the child developing feelings of insecurity and self-blame. They may work extremely hard to perfect everything they do, and carry this trait on into adulthood.
Feelings of Self-Doubt
Growing up under narcissistic parents can lead to the children developing feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem. They may even feel guilty about succeeding in life and may worry about retaliation for their success.
They are Vulnerable to Toxic Relationships
Unfortunately, individuals with narcissistic parents grow up to become increasingly vulnerable to toxic relationships. They are easily manipulated and find it difficult to escape domestic abuse. They’re also over-reliant on their partners for emotional support.
Resolving the emotional and psychological problems that result from growing up with narcissistic parents is difficult and may take time. However, with proper counseling and inner reflection, one can achieve a better physical, emotional, and psychological balance.
Help is available, it is never to late to transform into a flourishing survivor.