If You Don’t Want Your Kids to Grow up and Be a Narcissist

Persons who separate from someone they consider a narcissist often worry that their kids could be similarly influenced.

Talking to your child about the characteristics of that parent isn’t the answer.

Rather, let your kids see you engage in volunteer activity that serves others. Where possible have your kids join you or at least hear you speak of the pleasure you get through service to others.

Have your kids participate in doing good deeds. Teach them by example the value of helping others.

Let them know not all persons can meet their own needs directly, whatever that may be. Our support of others as per their needs is a human and kind activity where the benefit to others is our only reward.

As we teach kids about others who have needs unable to be met themselves, we teach about empathy.

As we teach about extending ourselves to be of support to those who could benefit from our selfless actions, we teach charity and consideration of others.

Truth is, whether or not a parent worries about the influence of a narcissist co-parent, these activities are good for all children, just perhaps moreover for kids where these concerns are at play.

Lead by example. Extend yourself modeling altruistic behavior built on empathy. Have your children participate similarly in an age appropriate way.

Let that be the influence and example through you.

Do so in joy.

Encourage and support your child to be helpful to others. Show appreciation and gratitude for their efforts.

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I am Gary Direnfeld and I am a social worker. Check out all my services and then call me if you need help with a personal issue, mental health concern, child behavior or relationship, divorce or separation issue or even help growing your practice. I am available in person and by video conferencing.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

gary@yoursocialworker.com
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Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert in social work, marital and family therapy, child development, parent-child relations and custody and access matters. Gary is the host of the TV reality show, Newlywed, Nearly Dead, former parenting columnist for the Hamilton Spectator and author of Marriage Rescue: Overcoming the ten deadly sins in failing relationships. Gary maintains a private practice in Georgina Ontario, providing a range of services for people in distress. He speaks at conferences and workshops throughout North America. He consults to mental health professionals as well as to mediators and collaborative law professionals about good practice as well as building their practice.