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SHChildren expose narcissists without even trying.
The way a narcissistic parent behaves around children reveals everything they work so hard to hide.
Here’s what to watch for:
1️⃣ He competes with the child
When the child receives praise, attention, or affection—he suddenly needs it too.
❤️🩹 Protect yourself: His insecurity is not the child’s responsibility to manage.
2️⃣ He uses the child to control you
Affection appears only when it provokes a reaction from you.
❤️🩹 Healing: See the tactic—not the performance.
3️⃣ He expects admiration from the child
He sulks or withdraws when the child doesn’t provide attention or validation.
❤️🩹 Protect yourself: A child is not an adult’s emotional support system.
4️⃣ He performs when others are watching
An attentive, “amazing” father in public—emotionally absent behind closed doors.
❤️🩹 Healing: Believe patterns, not appearances.
5️⃣ He gets jealous of your bond with the child
He interrupts connection, affection, or quiet moments between you and your child.
❤️🩹 Protect yourself: His jealousy is not your burden to carry.
6️⃣ He only shows up for the fun moments
Games and photos—but no comfort, consistency, or real care when it matters.
❤️🩹 Healing: Children feel who is truly present.
7️⃣ He blames the child for his moods
He claims the child “stresses him out” when he’s already dysregulated.
❤️🩹 Protect yourself: No child should carry an adult’s emotions.
8️⃣ He treats the child as an extension of himself
Achievements are pushed to serve his ego, not the child’s wellbeing.
❤️🩹 Healing: Protect the child’s identity—not his pride.
Final truth:
A narcissist acts through the child—not for the child.
Your awareness is what protects the innocence he cannot value.
If this hit close to home, comment “Heal” to receive my free guide and join the Survivor to Thriver waitlist.
You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
#narcissisticparent #parentalabuse #childhoodtrauma #coercivecontrol #healingjourney
@shatteredtoshine
