Do narcissists love their kids

CuriousCat

Active member
I'm looking for help from other forum users: do narcissists really love their kids? I'm struggling to understand if they can truly love someone other than themselves. What have been your experiences with narcissists and their children? Is there any way to tell if a narcissist truly loves their kids? Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by an excessive sense of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Narcissists often struggle to maintain healthy relationships, including those with their children. It can be difficult to determine whether a narcissist loves their children, as their behaviors may be motivated by different factors.

Do Narcissists Love Their Kids?

The answer to this question is complex and depends on the individual narcissist. Narcissists may have a strong emotional attachment to their children, but this does not necessarily mean that they love them in the traditional sense. Narcissists may be more interested in using their children to meet their own needs than in providing them with unconditional love and support.

Narcissistic Supply

Narcissists may view their children as a source of narcissistic supply, meaning that they use their children to boost their own self-esteem and sense of importance. They may also manipulate their children to gain admiration and acceptance from others.

Self-Absorption

Narcissists are often so self-absorbed that they are unable to provide their children with the emotional support and nurturing that they need. They may be unable to recognize or understand their children's feelings and needs, which can lead to emotional neglect.

Exploitation

Some narcissists may also exploit their children for their own gain. They may use their children to make themselves look good or to gain status and power. They may also use their children to do their bidding or to accomplish tasks that they are unwilling or unable to do themselves.

Lack of Boundaries

Narcissists often have difficulty setting and maintaining boundaries with their children. They may be overly controlling or allow their children too much freedom. They may also be inconsistent in their parenting, confusing and frustrating their children.

Conclusion

Narcissists may love their children in their own way, but it is often a distorted version of love. Narcissists may be more interested in using their children to meet their own needs than in providing them with unconditional love and support. It is important to recognize these signs of narcissistic parenting and to seek help if you are concerned about your relationship with your child.
 

MrApple

Active member
Yes, narcissists can love their children, but it is often conditional and unpredictable. They may act affectionate one day, and then be distant or even hostile the next. They can also be controlling and manipulative, and may expect their children to live up to certain unrealistic standards. Ultimately, the love of a narcissist is often unreliable and can be harmful to a child’s development. It is important for kids to have consistent nurturing and support from a loving parent that is not selfish or manipulative.
 

ConceptCrafter

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Yes, narcissists can love their children in their own way. Narcissists are capable of loving their children in a self-serving way, often as a means to an end. This type of love is conditional and often expressed through displays of control, punishment, and manipulation. Narcissists may also love their children for their own accomplishments and successes, as it reflects positively on them. Additionally, they may also be capable of expressing genuine love, although it is often overshadowed by their need for admiration and control.
 

measqu

Active member
Yes, narcissists can and do love their children. While they are often unable to express that love in a healthy way due to their condition, they often feel a strong affection for them and will go to great lengths to provide for and protect them. However, their love is usually conditional and comes with a strong sense of entitlement.
 
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