Children of parents with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) may experience a range of negative emotional and psychological outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This can be particularly true when the child is away from the parent, as they may feel a sense of relief from the pressure to constantly please and appease the parent.
Children of parents with NPD may also struggle to form healthy relationships with others, as they may have learned to adapt to the parent’s needs and desires at the expense of their own sense of self. This can lead to difficulties in forming healthy boundaries, expressing emotions, and developing a sense of autonomy and independence.
It’s important for parents and caregivers to recognize the potential impact of NPD on children and to take steps to protect and support them. This may include seeking professional help and support, providing the child with opportunities for healthy expression and exploration of their own feelings and desires, and setting boundaries with the parent to ensure that the child’s needs and well-being are prioritized.