Narcissistic Parental Alienation
Parental alienation syndrome or narcissistic parental alienation is traumatizing. It is the psychological manipulation of a child by an alienating parent. This type of manipulation is extremely over looked. The typical outcomes of manipulation from a parent are unjust for the abused child. For example, the child’s rejection from their parent causes everlasting trauma. As a result, the child experiences disgust toward the other targeted parent. Moreover, the child may also show a lack of empathy toward their abuser.
Even in the absence of narcissism, parental alienation can occur. In a fit of rage, one parent may publicly disparage the other. Once a modest accusation is made, it might gradually become more serious.
Children and Narcissists:
People’s mental health might suffer if they live with a narcissist. Children are especially vulnerable because they want to impress their parents. This is a natural instinct for any child. Parents who are narcissistic may begin to manipulate their children at a very young age. When their ex-spouse is no longer present in their lives is when they strike the most. A narcissist is prone to verbal and narcissistic abuse. In short, their children might become victims of narcissistic parental alienation and usually are.
Symptoms:
Behavior that indicates parental alienation may include the following:
- The targeted parent is a target of the child’s wrath. The child may disavow any favorable memories of the past.
- Their anger towards the targeted parent has no basis in fact or logic.
- Children commonly view the narcissistic parentas ideal. In contrast, children often view the other parent as imperfect.
What are the dangers of alienating one’s parents?
It is possible for a child who has been estranged from one parent to show no remorse for their actions. Let’s think about certain circumstances of family dispute. A child alienated from one of his or her parents will side with that parent. Consequently, this happens without regard for understanding the other parent’s perspective.
It’s possible that a narcissist will create an unhealthy bond with their child. Even if they have primary custody of them, this may happen. Often, the youngster feels frustrated with the narcissistic parent. This happens since they aren’t paying attention to what the child needs and wants.
The child’s mental health could suffer as a result of this. Those children who have been separated from their other parent are at higher risk. Overlooking a child’s mental health concerns happens all the time. For example, they’re prone to depression and an increased risk of substance addiction. In addition, difficulties in their relationships will haunt them because of their upbringing.
How can we overcome parental alienation?
Have your children have been brainwashed to respond in hateful ways toward you? Read this carefully. This happens because they have a pseudo-interpersonal relationship with the other parent. Your child perceives them as more powerful. You need to understand this. You are dealing with a form of psychological manipulation of your own children.
Here are some pointers to deal with a narcissistic parent if you are the target:
Make a strategy and assemble your assets.
Parental alienation is a difficult situation to deal with. Keep in mind they think you’re the “evil” parent. It’s all too usual for kids to reject your attempts to connect with them. You may ponder if it’s better to give up the struggle because you’re hurt. Or give up because you want to do what’s best for your children. However, this could include a loss of control over your children. You may lose the ability to parent them as you see fit.
It is common for narcissists to assume their actions have done no harm. Change is among the most difficult for narcissists to accept. Most people refuse to participate in anything that could lead to better relations. Co-parenting a child with someone who doesn’t like you is even more difficult. As a parent, you must work harder than ever to keep your emotions from leaking out of your mouth.
Even if you loathe confrontation, you have no choice but to confront a narcissist parent. Regardless of how your children treat you, you must learn how to be a good parent to them. Your children need you to overcome your sentiments of resentment and anger.
Recognize your pitfalls.
It’s likely that the other parent already understands your flaws. They will try to exploit them against you. Be aware of your own shortcomings. In my opinion this is the best defense againt someone else exploiting them. Honesty and openness are the best policies to follow when dealing with yourself. If you feel you are struggling with knowing your flaws, talking to a counselor will help. Develop your personal strength. It might help you learn to accept and cherish your flaws. You can devise a strategy to alter any of these aspects if you so desire.
Ensure your own well-being.
Take care of your physical and mental health when dealing with a nasty co-parent. You need all the help you can get right now, so surround yourself with people who are there for you.
Recognize and accept your flaws. If you have a weakness, it’s likely that your partner will exploit it. Consult with a reputable therapist. They will help you develop a strategy for dealing with these issues. Don’t get too caught up in analyzing your flaws. This will make you lose sight of your assets. Maintain a focus on your positive attributes.
Don’t go head-to-head.
Illicitly using promises, presents, and privileges happen often . Some parents will sometimes try to bribe their children into being loyal to them. These items are often suggested or clearly expressed non-verbally. Even if the parent does not admit that they are for the children’s allegiance.
Seek assistance.
When your children separate themselves from you, it can hurt. If they refuse to reconnect, it can be distressing. When your children think of you as a lousy parent, it can be devastating. You must do everything in your power to receive the help you need. A legal expert and a support group may also be options. You may be able to refute the accusations leveled against you. Find help from your lawyer and/or counselor. Legal experts may be able to assist you in finding evidence to disprove the accusations.
Conclusion
There are a lot of people who believe that parental alienation is a myth, or it is much less common than people think. To clarify, Parental Alienation Disorder is real. It is being recognized as a true diagnosis in the DSM-V Diagnostic Manual. Every parent also has the right to seek legal advice. A parent should know how to protect their parental rights and win child custody fights.
Narcissistic personality disordered parents can cause emotional damage. Psychological trauma in their children is the end result. Psychological abuse, emotional blackmail, and alienating the children from their other parent exist. And, there are practical steps a parent who is targeted by a narcissistic spouse can take. Take the necessary steps to minimize feelings of anxiety and self-doubt from narcissistic parental alienation.
How can you tell if some one you know is a narcissist? Read our article to help you know the signs – “Telltale Signs of a Narcissist”.