Adult Children of Narcissists

Growing up with a narcissistic parent can profoundly shape your sense of self and how you relate to others. You may have been made to feel like your worth depended on meeting impossible standards or that your needs and feelings didn’t matter. These dynamics often leave lasting scars, such as struggles with self-esteem, difficulty setting boundaries, people-pleasing tendencies, or a lingering sense of shame or inadequacy.

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As an adult, you might find yourself navigating complex family dynamics, experiencing strained relationships, or grappling with the emotional residue of childhood neglect or manipulation. It’s common to feel both deeply loyal to and deeply resentful of a narcissistic parent, which can add to feelings of guilt or confusion.