A narcissistic father may not be able to create a good family environment because they constantly disregard the personal boundaries of everyone else. People with narcissistic personality disorder build a grand self-image and believe to be at the highest level. To distract themselves from their insecurities, they often create a pseudo personality. It is difficult to live with a narcissistic father because he often may not acknowledge the personal requirements of his children and other family members. He would even demand special treatment and expects to be given unlimited power and importance (1). Read the post to learn how to identify the characteristics of a narcissistic father and ways to deal with him.

Signs Of A Narcissistic Father

A narcissistic father perceives the independence of his children as a threat. Here are some more signs explained (2).

  1. He has an inflated self-image A narcissistic father could be self-centered and superficial. He might have a superior image of himself and treat people around him merely as tools.
  2. He dreams of having power and control Does he like to assert absolute authority over his children? That’s because he likes to keep an eye on their every little move and want them to do things the way he wants, even if that causes discomfort.
  3. He loves to show others how special he is He enjoys showing off all the supposed superior dispositions he beholds. A father with narcissistic tendencies brags about his accomplishments and goes out of the way to flatter himself.
  4. He doesn’t take constructive criticism A narcissistic father has the impression that he has no flaws. Therefore, he believes that he is perfect and can turn back to his children, and even say harsh things to damage them.
  5. He is driven by ego His ego means everything to him and he can do anything to keep his ego satisfied, even if it’s hurting someone else’s pride. He reflects a selfish personality and does not care about how his ego-driven behavior affects his children.
  6. He wants to live through his child’s life He dominates over the child’s interests and forces them into doing things that he wants to do in his life. This may not benefit the child, but his selfishness makes him ignore all other facts.
  7. He tries to marginalize the child A narcissistic father may feel threatened by his child’s potential. Hence, he might try to pull them down and draw constant comparisons between himself and the child.
  8. He manipulates in his favor Parental manipulation includes guilt trips, shaming, blaming, and even negative comparison. For example, if the father lets his children know that love from their side is conditional and has to be earned, it reflects a narcissistic behavior.
  9. He likes to control A narcissistic father likes to have complete control over his children. Therefore, he regulates the most insignificant tasks in a rigid manner. And lack of obedience from the child may lead to severe consequences or punishments.
  10. He doesn’t empathize He doesn’t consider his child’s feelings, lacks empathy, and perceives their sensitivity as a sign of weakness.
  11. He depends on the child A narcissistic father expects his children to take care of him and be at his disposal all the time. Therefore, he wants them to be around and keep helping him when required.
  12. He gets jealous A narcissistic father cannot accept the child drifting away from his influence. He gets possessive and insecure when the child gains independence and does not need the father’s help anymore.
  13. He neglects things He is self-absorbed in his life. He doesn’t care about his children’s likes or dislikes and goes ahead with whatever he thinks is right. While some fathers may exhibit a few of the signs, others may show most of the signs while remaining unaware of the impact on the child.

Effects Of A Narcissistic Father On Children

Children who grow up under the influence of a narcissistic father may develop low self-esteem. It also damages the sense of boundaries they deserve to have in life (2).

The narcissistic traits and remarks of a father may have a negative and long-lasting effect on children. Children may pick up the same traits as their father as they spend most of the time with him. Due to constant criticism by a narcissistic father, children can get confused about their own identity, thereby resulting in an underdeveloped self-concept. They might consider anything acceptable by the father right. Children of a narcissistic father may seek validation, love, and support from others to fulfill the void and criticism made by the father. Children brought up in homes with narcissistic father may have issues maintaining healthy relationships because they are often too insecure and unsure.

Effects On Daughter

Here are some effects that a narcissistic father may have on his daughter (3).

Low self-esteem due to being constantly criticized by the father in damaging ways. They end up disregarding their own needs. Feeling insecure in a romantic relationship as the daughter feels she is not appreciable enough. In fact, they may be attracted to partners who echo the traits of the father as he has been their first male role model. Daughters of narcissistic fathers tend to have a low opinion of themselves and feel inadequate and anxious.

Effects On Son

A narcissistic father may affect his son in the following ways:

The father’s assertion or the thought that the father is always right makes the son feel guilty and wrong when a question is raised. Growing up with a narcissistic father can make their son timid due to constant suppression. The terror of a narcissistic father getting angry when things don’t go his way makes the son obey everything even if he is not comfortable. A son of a narcissistic father may grow up to be confused. Making a difference between wrong and right could be difficult as he has always accepted his father’s wishes.

How To Deal With A Narcissistic Father

Growing up with a narcissistic father can take a toll on the mental health of the child. Here’s how one can mature out of a toxic relationship with their father. The first step is to accept the fact that the father behaves abnormally. Acknowledging the issue enables the child to gain more insight into the father’s life. It may also make them more empathetic towards the father’s situation and accept him the way he is. Narcissists violate personal boundaries frequently and with impunity. The child has to take a stance and be firm about the boundaries they want to maintain with their narcissistic father. Having some time away from their father can help them clear their head and lift off the emotional and mental burden they have. Being manipulative is one of the foremost tricks of a narcissistic father to get what he wants from the child. To avoid this, the child has to accept that they cannot always fulfill their father’s wishes. Instead, they should focus more on themselves. Since the child has not received warmth and love from the father, they should go for self-compassion. For instance, taking up more activities that they like or having their space can be therapeutic and self-loving. Accepting the situation and educating yourself about the issue is a mature approach to overcome self-doubt. The child should understand that anything they do will not suffice to the father’s satisfaction, and their cycle continues. Thus, accepting things the way they are helps the child to move ahead in their life. The trauma of living with a narcissistic father fosters and grows unprocessed problems in the long run. Children can seek therapy to run across their thoughts for self-improvement. Children of narcissistic fathers are prone to long-lasting behavioral problems. They are more vulnerable due to the trauma they have been exposed to. Hence, a regular strategy followed by therapy is required to balance unpleasantness between the father and children. Children may also need more guidance from outside sources, such as a therapist to learn problem-solving techniques. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for children helps to reduce depression and stress and makes them achieve a better mental balance (4).

How To Protect A Child From A Narcissistic Father

A narcissistic father may not hurt his children physically but has a major effect on their mental health. Here are some ways a mother or an adult can protect a child from a narcissistic father (5).

Impart knowledge to the people who surround the child such as teachers, peers, or house help, so the child gets more space and alone time. Let the child know that they can talk to you. Ask them if they would like to see a therapist or anyone else they want to talk to. Educate the child about narcissistic personality disorder and guide them on how to define boundaries.

Being raised by a narcissistic father is very traumatic and impacts a child’s emotional, mental, and psychological well-being if left untreated. Thus, seeking professional help at the earliest may help reduce the effect of growing up around a narcissistic father.

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