Narcissists are always acting, even when you think they’re just ‘being themselves.’
There’s no such thing, because they put on so many masks and fronts, it’s hard to tell.
When you get a narcissist around a child, you will see an even more bizarre side to them.
Some good, some not so great. I think either way, it’s safe to admit these 8 bizarre ways narcissists act around children are not good for the kids.
#1 Like Santa…
Hey! Look who is coming along with all the fun, laughter and gifts for the kids!
Wow, did you buy this for me?
You’re so much fun!
We are so excited to see you!
Three cheers for the narcissist…
…Actually, let’s not.
Narcissists act like Santa, coming along with cheer and presents for all the kids because they know it captivates them.
They are manipulating young minds into thinking that they are generous, kind and good-to-be-around people.
But we know it’s not, right?
We know the gifts are a guise, and a subconscious way for them to say, “Please like me.”
They couldn’t possibly just be decent people who kids will want to be around, oh no. That’s far too difficult for them, but typical of their material-obsessed view on life.
They think stuff equals love.
They’re wrong.
#2 …Until they don’t want to
Then there’s the terribly sad flipside to that coin, and we have all seen it.
The narcissist knows how to switch that tap of generosity off at the drop of a hat, but more than that, they switch everything off.
Acting nicely, being cheery, being approachable, or even fun to be around.
This is way more than simply refusing to hand over gifts, this is refusing to hand over any emotional warmth at all. It leaves kids feeling so confused.
What did I do wrong?
Why are they different?
What is going on?
It feels awkward.
Kids don’t understand. You can’t explain to them what narcissism is, they just have to witness behavior that they don’t feel comfortable with, until sadly it starts to feel comfortable because it’s familiar.
Narcissists don’t care that this is how they present themselves. Narcissism doesn’t discriminate.
No matter your age, race, culture, beliefs, or gender, it will destroy the people on the receiving end.
#3 Critical hits new heights
That’s a funny outfit to wear today.
Are you not too old to still like that TV show?
Don’t you think you need to be eating a little more healthy?
Do you genuinely like this musical?
Why are you being so needy and clingy today?
The list goes on, but the criticism can roll off their tongue like you wouldn’t believe, and it hurts.
Narcissists love to be this way to kids because kids don’t necessarily have the tools to reply in ways that defend themselves all the time.
It gives the narcissist even more control, and even more supply as a result.
I personally think all these watts are so bizarre, but I really hate that narcissists treat kids in ways they know they can’t stand up for themselves or see through it.
Kids hold onto criticism so strongly, and they don’t forget the words they’ve heard.
That in itself is a good reason to question the morals of any narcissist who treats kids like this. It tells you so much about who they want to include in their game-playing.
#4 “Our little secret”
I can’t tell you how disturbing this phrase is, let alone bizarre. Why any adult would use it toward another person, let alone a kid is beyond me, yet here we are.
Narcissists love to keep secrets. It’s a test of loyalty, and whatever they’re asking to be kept a secret is a way of controlling the other person.
And who is easiest to control? You guessed it; kids.
Our little secret means the narcissist is manipulating a child behind the backs of others, and making them feel special by being part of some kind of pact that shouldn’t even exist.
#5 “Kids? What kids?”
I don’t see any kids anywhere.
Kids? Are there kids here?
I’m too busy to even notice any kids.
That’s right. Narcissists half the time bizarrely don’t even admit to knowing where children are.
Do you expect me to run around after them when I have all this to do?
It’s a battle to feel like parenting is a team effort with these people, and you’re the one run ragged while they take it easy and carry on with their selfish lives.
It’s beyond sad, isn’t it? I mean, children need attention and love, yet the narcissist won’t crawl out of their own egotistical aura to entertain that fact even slightly.
#6 “Okay, calm down…”
As kids grow, their emotions are explored each and every day.
From figuring out what it’s like to be happy, sad, frustrated, excited, annoyed or even tired, kids are constantly having to work everything they feel out.
Sometimes, that can look like too much going on. That’s normal, but telling them off for it or just snapping at them to calm down doesn’t solve much.
Equally, when they’re truly excited about their favorite pop song or movie, or that they’re getting pizza for dinner, and they jump for joy…?
That joy is ripped apart by the narcissist, who tells them to just calm down and stop making such a fuss.
Suddenly, the world of the child is made that little bit smaller, every single time the narcissist makes it so.
#7 Success is a huge no. Even for kids
Every step of a child’s life is made up of a blend of so much, including success.
Even from taking their first step, to saying their first words, to building those toy blocks, to getting that part in the school play, or making the football team.
Success doesn’t have to be ‘stop the press’ kind of stuff, but it is to parents.
We celebrate our kids, we scoop them up and tell them how proud we are. We keep encouraging them to go for their dreams and don’t let anybody stop them.
Then there are narcissistic parents, who sigh and mutter something like, “Don’t let it get to your head.”
And then years down the line, they wonder why their kids aren’t fulfilling their wishes or goals.
It’s because they don’t know how to, or they think achievements are a negative part of life.
#8 Like they’re in the way
Children should not be treated like they shouldn’t be there – wherever there is. If it’s home, it’s so much worse.
When you make a child feel like they’re a nuisance, they will spend their lives learning to tiptoe around both people and situations.
They won’t put themselves out there, or use their voices to be heard because there will always be that gut feeling of, “I am annoying, so I will keep quiet.”
It’s so bizarre that narcissists are naturally this way with children, forgetting they once were an innocent child who just wanted to be loved by the people around them.
