Children are a Gift Of God!
There’s nothing as pure and innocent as a Child.
I’m sure this is what you might believe about kids.
Well, not saying that anything is wrong with that but a contrasting reality does exist where a child can be your worst nightmare of all.
We live in an Age Of Narcissism. And as much as it breaks my heart to break your shiny rose-colored perspective on children, you must know that children are people too and they can be negative too.
A child can be abusive.
Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse.
In some cases, this abuse may be a result of the child’s own past abuse or trauma, while in other cases it may be a result of the child’s environment, such as the presence of domestic violence.
If a child is exhibiting any signs of being an abuser, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible.
Is there a specific age when a child becomes a Narcissist?
No, there is no specific age when a child becomes a Narcissist.
Narcissism is a personality disorder that develops over time as a result of a variety of environmental and genetic factors.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is not something that can be pinpointed to one specific age or stage of development.
Identifying Narcissistic Tendencies in Children
The signs of a narcissistic child include-
- Exaggerated feelings of self-importance.
- A strong need for attention and admiration.
- Fantasies of success, power, beauty, or brilliance.
- A sense of entitlement and expectation of special treatment.
- An exaggerated sense of superiority and entitlement.
- An inability to recognize the feelings and needs of others.
- Frequently shows arrogance, haughtiness, and disdain for others.
- Exploits and manipulates people to get what they want.
- Takes advantage of others to reach their own goals.
- Has an exaggerated display of emotions.
- Has sudden and extreme mood swings.
- Has difficulty controlling anger, especially when they don’t get their way.
- Is cruel to animals or people.
- Blames others for their mistakes or misbehavior.
- Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, or brilliance.
Examining the Causes of Childhood Narcissism
Narcissism in children is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, parenting style, and the child’s own temperament and behavior.
Genetics may play a role, as research suggests that narcissistic traits can be passed down from parents to children. Certain genetic traits, such as a strong need for approval and admiration, can predispose a child to develop narcissistic traits.
Additionally, a child’s environment can play a role in the development of narcissism.
For example, if a child is raised in a household where their narcissistic parent is constantly seeking attention and approval, the child will learn to become narcissistic as well.
Furthermore, certain parenting styles can contribute to a child developing narcissistic traits, as children may mimic the behaviors and attitudes of their parents. If parents are overly indulgent, constantly praising the child, or setting unrealistic expectations, the child may grow up believing that they are better than others and entitled to special treatment.
For example, if a child is excessively praised or rewarded for their accomplishments, it can increase their sense of self-importance.
Children with a more confrontational temperament may be more likely to develop narcissistic traits.
Lastly, the child’s own behavior and attitude can influence the development of narcissistic traits, such as bragging or displaying grandiose behavior.
Coping Strategies for Parenting a Narcissistic Child
Protecting and guarding against the narcissistic abuse inflicted on you and your family by your own narcissistic child is very important.
Here are some ways you can manage your narcissistic child and yourself-
- Maintain a consistent parenting style: Set consistent boundaries for your child, and stick to them. It is important to set clear boundaries and expectations with your narcissistic child and stick to them. Be consistent and make sure your child follows the rules.
- Focus on behaviors, not traits: Avoid labeling your child as a “narcissist” and instead focus on behaviors that are disrupting family life. Your child may not respond well to criticism and judgment, so try to provide constructive feedback and support instead.
- Don’t give in to manipulation: Don’t let your child manipulate you into giving them what they want.
- Praise positive behaviors: When your child exhibits positive behaviors, make sure to praise them. Praise your child for positive behavior and focus on the things they do right to encourage them to do more of it.
- Encourage empathy: Help your child understand how their actions affect other people and encourage them to be kind and considerate of others.
- Set limits: It’s important to set limits and expectations for your child and to enforce them when necessary.
- Model empathy: Show your child how to be kind and compassionate by modeling these behaviors yourself.
- Keep communication open: Make sure to keep lines of communication open with your child and be willing to listen to them.
- Model self-care and healthy boundaries: Show your child how to practice self-care and healthy boundaries by taking care of yourself and setting limits.
- Embrace humor and lightheartedness: Try to stay lighthearted and use humor to diffuse situations.
Conclusion
This Blog is not intended by any means, to offend anybody and that kids are necessarily bad as I also believe there is a reason for everything.
But I choose to not accept is the ignorance of the knowledge.
Awareness about narcissism and narcissistic children can help you give yourself and your kid a chance for redemption and improvement. Not to mention that narcissistic abuse can really wear you down mentally and physically and there is data proving my words.
So, I hope people reading this take serious note and work actively toward improvement in parenting skills.
Dr. Emily Carter, a family therapist, focuses on communication and strengthening parent-child bonds, providing invaluable counseling to foster understanding within families.