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Narcissism In Children: Recognizing The Early Signs And Symptoms
~2.9 mins read
As a parent, you are often your child’s first and best source of information about them. You know what they like, what they don’t like, what their hobbies are — and whether or not they have narcissistic tendencies. Recognizing the early warning signs of narcissism in your child can be difficult because it is an insidious variable. Narcissism usually begins to manifest itself when children reach high school age, and it appears most frequently in young people who have been overvalued by their parents — for example, children with famous or successful parents. If you suspect that your child suffers from narcissism, here are some questions to ask yourself: Do they tend to exaggerate their abilities? Are they preoccupied with how others perceive them? Do they take advantage of other people frequently? Are they insensitive to how others feel? If you answered yes to any of these questions, keep reading for more information on how to spot unhealthy levels of narcissism in children so you can start helping them before it’s too late!
Narcissism in children
If you have ever had the unfortunate experience of being around a narcissist, you know the feeling of frustration and helplessness that comes with it. When you are around narcissists, it can be difficult to get your own needs met because they are constantly seeking praise and attention, often at the expense of others. By definition, narcissism is an excessive admiration of oneself. It is a way of thinking that is characterized by a lack of empathy. People with narcissistic personalities crave attention and admiration to feed their massive sense of self-worth, which is why narcissists are often manipulative, controlling, and extremely demanding. Narcissism is not a new disorder. In fact, it has existed in some form or another for centuries, and the earliest recorded signs of narcissism were seen in Egyptian pharaohs and Greek gods.
Early detection
Because narcissism is an inborn trait, you cannot “cure” it or “snap your child out of it” with a few sessions of therapy. What you can do, however, is provide your child with the tools they need to understand their own emotions and to have empathy for others. Do not try to “diagnose” your child with narcissism. Instead, focus on building a relationship with your child that is based on trust, love, and respect. One of the best ways to do this is to encourage your child to open up about their feelings and to listen without judgment. By listening to your child and understanding their feelings, you can help your child to learn to regulate their own emotions — a crucial skill for children with narcissistic tendencies.
Controlling Narcissistic Behaviors
Because narcissism is an inborn trait, there is no cure. However, you can help your child to recognize their narcissistic tendencies and work towards having more empathetic and selfless behaviors. Most narcissists struggle with feelings of low self-worth, and they behave the way they do because they are desperately trying to feel “good enough”. This can make narcissism harder to spot, but it is important to be aware of it so that you can take steps towards helping your child to feel more secure and loved. One of the best ways to do this is by grounding your child. When your child is being self-absorbed or rude, interrupt them gently and tell them that you want to help them feel better. Then, ask your child what you can do to help them feel better.
Solutions
When you are parenting a child with narcissistic tendencies, it is important to know that you are not alone. Many parents struggle with their child’s narcissism, but remember that you are your child’s best resource for support and guidance. By using a combination of techniques like the ones listed above, you can help your child to develop a sense of empathy and a healthier sense of self. In the long run, narcissism is not something that your child can simply outgrow — it is a personality disorder that will likely follow your child into adulthood. However, there are ways to help your child manage their narcissism so that it doesn’t ruin their relationships or their self-worth as they get older.
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