Top psychiatrist reveals key signs you have narcissistic parents... and how to deal with them
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Childhood trauma is something that can affect a person for the rest of their life. For some, their parents may have been too strict or absent altogether, but others may have had a far more sinister relationship, experiencing a childhood being raised by narcissistic parents.
![[In 2023, actor Cole Sprouse opened up in an interview about how his mother's decision to put him and his twin brother into acting as children may have reflected some narcissistic tendencies. He said: 'I think it satisfied some sort of narcissism she probably had in order to be recognized as this sort of artistic']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/21/28784284-14191687-In_2023_actor_Cole_Sprouse_opened_up_in_an_interview_said_his_mo-a-13_1734472495228.jpg)
A narcissist is a manipulative person who lacks empathy and has an exaggerated sense of self-importance. They have an excessive preoccupation with themselves and their needs, even at the expense of others. When a narcissist's behavior becomes severe enough, they may be diagnosed with the mental health condition narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
A narcissistic parent or one with NPD is self absorbed and only sees their children as extensions of themselves, often expecting their kids to make sacrifices in order to fulfill their own needs. They can be controlling, volatile and emotionally abusive, and they may withhold love and compassion from their children.
This leads to kids developing low self-esteem and deep insecurities, anxiety, depression and unhealthy relationships in adulthood. A 2022 study estimates between one and two percent of the general population have the disorder - though this is likely an undercount because narcissists often try to hide their narcissistic traits.
Having a narcissistic parent can cause trauma for children, and this can result in lifelong issues. It's unclear if narcissistic parenting patterns have become more common, or if people have just become more familiar with the term, or if it has become better known as therapy becomes more popular.
