The Impact of Narcissistic Parenting on Sense of Self

Growing up with narcissistic parents or toxic family dynamics can significantly erode a person's sense of self. These dynamics often involve constant people-pleasing, where children try to fit into their parents' expectations and suppress their true selves. The fear of not gaining love and approval from the parent leads to a lack of boundaries and difficulty navigating relationships. The sense of self is further eroded by deliberate embarrassment, shaming, and a constant message that the child is bad or unlovable. This lack of identity makes it challenging to set boundaries and be firm in them, as the person fears rejection and believes they are unworthy. In order to reclaim a sense of self, it requires recognizing that there is nothing inherently wrong with them and embracing their own thoughts, feelings, and needs.