There's a definition of narcissism that when a parent is…
“There's a definition of narcissism that when a parent is narcissistic, instead of the child seeing himself reflected in the mother's face and the mother's joy, the child of the narcissistic parent feels like, 'What can I do to make her okay, to make her happy?'”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A child of a narcissistic parent learns to prioritize the parent’s emotional needs over their own, seeking to fix or please the parent.
In simple terms: Child seeks to please narcissistic parent.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and set healthy boundaries.
Themes
family dynamics
codependency
emotional labor
Mood
conflicted
empathetic
Type
psychological
reflective
When to use this quote
- parent‑child relationships
- therapy sessions
- personal growth
- boundary setting
Key Concepts
narcissism
parental influence
self‑care
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate your needs from the parent’s?
- What steps can you take to assert your own wellbeing?
A Different Perspective
The child may lose sense of self if boundaries aren’t enforced.