Understanding the Roots of Narcissism in Childhood

Psychoanalyst and licensed clinical social worker Erica Komisar explains how psychoanalysis really works and how it can help parents better understand and support their children. Contrary to popular belief, psychoanalysis goes far beyond the Freudian theories you may have heard of. The field offers insight into the emotional intricacies of anxiety, attachment issues, and the pivotal role parents play in their child's development and mental health. Understanding how a child’s needs evolve as they grow older is crucial for parents to adjust to each stage and avoid either being emotionally neglectful or becoming overbearing helicopter parents. Childhood has become increasingly stressful in recent years, but with the right approach, parents can course-correct to counter the current cultural tides.

_____________________________________

Visit Erica’s website: https://www.ericakomisar.com/

Purchase a copy of Erica’s book, “Chicken Little the Sky Isn't Falling”: https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Little-Sky-Isnt-Falling/dp/0757324002/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1S5UU4KCJMM62&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aPYBQ-zCDgEDxNAhMqoXT0TzMerglVQ0kmmnirchy9BTSwIuTy8gH3R-bouaEjFgdnbuGH7nHBcFtuJKpZ_D017e8AFE21GGrr51s02X0QjP7481GmRlVzUiMizCoUq5rcVtEW8N__HhXqa_84Ty0yTdx35fI3MklpTZT8qwwHpIoA9SIOC-CkMrlqfuWVTkHa4LDJff26_cWSTwHaismg.4z9MC3xuxykYIKXQsbOdnCzPITCKbnj19qX8EZK64fs&dib_tag=se&keywords=erica+komisar&qid=1708644561&sprefix=erica+komisar%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-2

_____________________________________

Outline:

[0:00] Psychoanalysis vs CBT

[6:06] In defense of Freud

[7:50] What is narcissism?

[10:10] Why Erica became a psychoanalyst

[11:52] What is anxiety?

[16:03] Attachment issues and child development

[21:01] Parents guide their child’s mental health

[27:24] The genetic component of mental health

[29:59] Provide sensitive, empathic nurturing

[35:19] School is broken for both boys and girls

[41:25] Adolescence is complicated

[45:24] Emotional refueling still matters for teens

[51:39] High school didn’t used to be stressful

[57:55] Can parents course-correct successfully?

[1:06:53] Be optimistic, but also do the work

_____________________________________

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6vc4P6hiW88
Make a tax-deductible donation to Dad Saves America: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://secure.anedot.com/emergent-order-foundation/dad-website?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dadsavesamerica.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________

Dad Saves America is a channel dedicated to celebrating heroic fatherhood while teaching the next generation of fathers strategies they can utilize in parenting their children. We believe strong children come from a strong family. We’ve had many experts in the studio, including Jonathan Haidt, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Troy Kotsur, John Mackey, Ben Askren, and Adam Carolla.