Ever notice how Mercury in retrograde loves to stir up chaos just when you think you’ve got your life sorted? Well, imagine living with a narcissistic parent who’s basically the cosmic embodiment of drama, minus the planet’s neat little orbit. Having grown up around more narcissists than friends at a party, I’ve seen firsthand the subtle wreckage they leave behind — especially in kids who are caught tiptoeing through their emotional minefields. Walking on eggshells until you break doesn’t always look like a fireworks show. Sometimes it’s a quiet, invisible unraveling. So, how does a child finally flip the script on manipulation without throwing a meltdown rivaling a solar flare? Let’s unpack 7 silent yet powerful signs that a kid’s done dancing to the narcissist’s twisted tune and is setting their own celestial course. LEARN MORE.
Narcissistic abuse is sadly very common. I’ve grown up around a lot of narcissists and have seen the damage they do to people. So, it’s time that we talk about some important survival tips for children who are dealing with narcissistic, or potentially narcissistic, parents.
When a child has spent years walking on eggshells around a narcissistic parent, constantly trying to please and avoid conflict, they eventually reach a quiet breaking point — and it doesn’t always come with dramatic confrontation.
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It is oh, so easy to fall into the trap of assuming that you’re at fault for everything when you’re with a narcissist. Narcissists are masters at gaslighting and manipulation. They also tend to project quite a bit, too.
The easiest way to break the spell and stop feeling like you’re just crazy is to read forums where people talk about what life is like with a narcissist. You’ll likely find behaviors that sound almost identical to what you’ve seen in your life.
Seeing others who have experienced what you do can make a massive difference in your ability to feel sane. It can also help reinforce the backbone you need to stand up for yourself and leave.
Pro tip: Write down that you aren’t crazy. Write down the things they said or did as evidence that proves they’re being abusive.
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The sooner that you recognize the signs of being around a narcissist, the better off you’ll be. Reach out to others, find support groups, and talk to others in your situation.
If you can’t find a support network among friends or even your workmates (protecting against a narcissist abuser who may try to damage your work reputation), you can always go online or to DV groups.
Research supports that adult children of narcissists may not realize the extent of the emotional abuse they endured until they are older. A support network can provide validation and help them identify manipulative behaviors, such as guilt-tripping, emotional control, and gaslighting.
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I know, I know: easier said than done. Even when the mask is off and you realize you’re dealing with a narcissist, it’s not easy to control yourself when they bait you, hurt you, ice you out, or try to control you.
There are several ways to deal with this:
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Narcissists don’t like boundaries, yet you have to set them. If your narcissist wants to stay in your life, they have to abide by certain rules. Generally speaking, this means that you need to get away from them.
If you live with your narcissist, carefully collect your documents, get a bank account, and move out ASAP. If you don’t live with the narcissist, the best thing to do is limit your time with them.
If they start shenanigans, start laying down boundaries as such:
More often than not, narcissists don’t change. So, prepare to go no-contact. It’s not your fault. They’re choosing to continue their abuse rather than change. All you’re doing is protecting yourself by cutting them out.
Establishing boundaries can be vital for mental health, allowing individuals to heal from the emotional wounds inflicted by narcissistic parenting. A 2020 study explained that by distancing themselves from the manipulative dynamic, individuals can begin to understand their own needs and desires, fostering a stronger sense of self.
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Narcissists love approval. They live for it. It’s what makes 90 percent of the “narcissistic supply” they’re addicted to. They assume everyone is the same way as them — and that can be pretty badly weaponized.
The narcissist thrives when you try to seek their approval. They want to control you through their approval. So, here’s how you stop them from ruining your life: don’t seek their approval or validation.
The truth is that you’ll never going to get the validation that you’re searching for from them. Narcissists never give true approval to others. They just shift the goalposts so that you struggle more and more, falling deeper into their trap.
Rather than try to make them love you, back away. Recognize that narcissists are not capable of love the way you want them to be. Then, prioritize yourself, your self-care, and your needs.
For some individuals, there comes a point where they recognize the unhealthy dynamics of their relationship with their narcissistic parent and begin to detach from the need for their approval. A 2022 study found that this can involve setting boundaries, recognizing their inherent worth, and developing a stronger sense of self-esteem independent of their parents’ opinion.
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Narcissists who notice a person they can’t control often will try to attack you. This is primarily why you need to use the “Grey Rock” method on them when you start to see them try to rile you up or dig their claws into you.
If you’re already involved with a narcissist (such as a parent or a partner you’re looking to leave), the best thing you can do is warn others and talk about the situation before the narcissist shows up. Tell them that this person means you harm and that they are manipulative.
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Recording them when they have an outburst, outing them to others, and forcing them to be held accountable in court will wreck a narcissist’s life.
Your biggest weapon against a narcissist is their reputation. If you can expose them, they will crumble. Sometimes, reminding them that others are watching or that law enforcement will take notice will calm them down.
If you feel like a narcissist is trying to attack you, make a point of documenting everything. It might end up saving you a lot of grief in the long term.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is a writer whose work has been featured in Yahoo, BRIDES, Your Daily Dish, Newtheory Magazine, and others.
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