11 Ways to Deal With a Narcissistic Parent
You will get into a fight if you confront a narcissistic parent directly. When a narcissistic parent’s undesirable or unpleasant conduct is brought to their attention, it throws their idealized world for a loop and leaves them feeling vulnerable and ashamed. But keep in mind that while dealing with a narcissist, your feelings and perspective are as significant.
The following are 11 suggestions for coping with a narcissistic parent:
1. Realize What is Happening
Never try to compete with a narcissist. You will pay a high price if you do not submit to a narcissistic parent’s demands since they thrive on having control over their children. Being able to meet their needs is more important than having a healthy family unit. They will only twist the situation in their advantage if you try to reach a compromise. You must understand that this is not typical conduct.
2. Accept & Let Go
Unless the narcissist genuinely wants to change, it is extremely hard to attempt to alter them. Embracing their uniqueness will help you feel less anxious. Keep in mind that the hurtful things others say and do to you are essentially reflections of how they feel about themselves. These are individuals who are really wounded.
3. Resist Gaslighting Attempts
A narcissistic parent often makes their child seem insane or deluded, which is unfortunate. In the midst of a hurricane, a narcissistic parent will insist that the weather is pleasant. The key to your survival is ignoring these attempts and improving your self-worth and confidence.
4. Be Compassionate
The narcissistic parent does care about you, despite the fact that they may not always act like it. A profoundly sensitive person hiding behind that gruff exterior needs your attention and compassion.
5. Prioritize Self-Compassion
It’s time to show oneself compassion after having a challenging upbringing marked possibly by a lack of it. Congratulate yourself for surviving the harsh parent-child connection. Learn to calm yourself, and show yourself all the empathy your parents were unable to.
The process of getting over such a childhood is not simple. It’ll take some time. So, practice patience and self-forgiveness. It’s acceptable to prioritize your needs. It is OK to give yourself some alone time. If you don’t feel like helping others, that’s acceptable too. Saying no without providing a reason is acceptable.
