How To Discipline A Narcissistic Child? A Through Guide To Deal With It

About 6% of the total adult population is found to have narcissistic tendencies. This starts from their childhood. The major reasons identified by psychologists and experts behind Narcissism or NPD are discussed here-

• Negligent parenting is a primary cause of NPD
  
• Codependent parenting and extreme over-protectiveness.
  
• Excessive pampering from childhood.
  
• Narcissistic parents can also trigger narcissistic tendencies in the child.
  
• Excessive negative criticism and lack of appreciation.
  
• Irrational expectations from the child.
  
• These are a few reasons that are potential enough to trigger narcissistic tendencies in children.

If you are wondering about how to discipline a narcissistic child the first step is to identify their symptoms of narcissism. We have discussed a few symptoms that are displayed by narcissistic children-

• An extreme level of self-importance.
  
• Feeling of entitlement to demand whatever they want.
  
• Gaze aversion
  
• Separation anxiety
  
• Pathologic play
  
• Opportunistic behaviour display
  
• Believe that they are superior to other kids
  
• Arrogance
  
• Exploitative nature
  
• Envious of others’ achievements.
  
• Inability to take constructive criticism
  
• Blame others for their failures
  
• Doesn’t consider anyone else’s feelings
  
  

These are a few identified symptoms that your daughter or child suffering from NPD might exhibit.

You can always seek professional help to deal with your narcissistic daughter. However, you can use a few home remedies to deal with them, they are-

• Try being firm with them, but don’t be violent.
  
• Try and curb the extreme sense of entitlement.
  
• Always have moderate conversations with them.
  
• Ensure a balance of emotions in the relationship.
  
• Provide them with unconditional love and lower your expectations from them.

Setting some boundaries with your narcissistic daughter is very important to maintain a healthy relationship with them. Follow these steps-

• Make it clear to them what you will tolerate and won’t tolerate.
  
• Make sure to set and carry out the consequences of their actions.
  
• Do not let violations go easy.
  
• Don’t always respond to them in a hostile way.
  
• At times ignore them if required and display a little indifference.
  
• Make sure not to justify, explain or defend yourself at all times.
  
• Sometimes you have to treat them like a toddler with care and love.
  
• Leave an interaction when it starts getting toxic.

If you are thinking about how to discipline a narcissistic child, then you must know what you shouldn’t be doing first.

Learn that in these 9 simple steps-

• Say no to them when it becomes necessary.
  
• Make sure to teach them basic manners.
  
• Teach them how to manage their frustration.
  
• Teach them how to be kind.
  
• Travel with them to places.
  
• Don’t let them confuse between love and approval.
  
• Make sure to read them whenever you can.
  
• Help them with regular errands.
  
• Emphasize the concept of equality.

There might be some possible complications that can arise while raising a narcissistic child. A few of them are-

• Getting involved in doing drugs and alcohol when they grow up
  
• Facing severe relationship crisis with friends and family.
  
• Difficult social relationships at school and peer groups.
  
• Social awkwardness and lack of social circle.
  
  

Some of the few complications that can arise.

Q1. How do I stop my child from being a narcissist?

Ans: You can try a few methods to restrict a child from being a narcissist-

• make them work for things
  
• don’t be too overprotective
  
• learn to refuse their demands at times
  
• Stop pampering them unnecessarily.
  
• Maintain a boundary with them
  
  

Q2. What do I do if my child has narcissistic tendencies?

Ans: In such a case make sure to take professional advice from a therapist and follow their instructions in dealing with your child.

Q3. How do you discipline a narcissist?

Ans: There are several ways to discipline a narcissist, but you must always seek professional advice before trying on anything. Exhibiting your ways without proper consultation can prove to be harmful to the child.

Q4. What childhood trauma creates a narcissist?

Ans: Severe childhood trauma, abusive childhood and exploitative and toxic parents largely contribute to a child being a narcissist.