Summary of Shahida Arabi's Healing the Adult Children of Narcissists

By IRB Media

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview:

#1 The effects of a narcissistic parent can be seen in the lives of their children, who often exhibit similar traits. They have a long-lasting, destructive effect on the well-being of their children.

#2 Empathy is the ability to understand someone else’s point of view, thoughts, and feelings. Narcissistic parents are unable and unwilling to empathize with their children. They discount and invalidate the emotions of their children, which leads their children to feel as if their pain is unseen and unheard.

#3 The early years of a child’s life are crucial, as they depend on their parents for emotional and physical nourishment. narcissistic parents who are overly preoccupied with themselves or self-centered show little regard for the welfare of their children.

#4 Those who have an excessive sense of entitlement believe that the world and others owe them something. They expect special treatment they have not earned, and they expect complete obedience from others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Jun 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9798822532588

IRB Media

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Insights from Chapter 1

#1

The effects of a narcissistic parent can be seen in the lives of their children, who often exhibit similar traits. They have a long-lasting, destructive effect on the well-being of their children.

#2

Empathy is the ability to understand someone else’s point of view, thoughts, and feelings. Narcissistic parents are unable and unwilling to empathize with their children. They discount and invalidate the emotions of their children, which leads their children to feel as if their pain is unseen and unheard.

#3

The early years of a child’s life are crucial, as they depend on their parents for emotional and physical nourishment. narcissistic parents who are overly preoccupied with themselves or self-centered show little regard for the welfare of their children.

#4

Those who have an excessive sense of entitlement believe that the world and others owe them something. They expect special treatment they have not earned, and they expect complete obedience from others.

#5

Because they are so used to being treated with respect, children of narcissists have a difficult time maintaining boundaries and dealing with conflict in adulthood. They may try to avoid conflict by pleasing those they think are toxic.

#6

The children of narcissists may develop low feelings of self-worth and an unstable self-image. They may become desensitized to or highly sensitive to verbal abuse when they become adults.

#7

The narcissist’s superiority complex enables them to wield their power and control over their children, causing fear rather than genuine respect. The family unit is often insulated from outside influences which would threaten to take away the narcissistic parent’s power and control.

#8

narcissistic parents require constant attention and admiration, and anything that takes attention away from them is a threat. They will compete with their own children if they feel their own accomplishments are being overshadowed.

#9

When parents focus on external appearances at the expense of developing a healthy self-image and self-esteem, it teaches their children that they are objects and should seek validation from the outside world.

#10

A parent may turn to financial fraud instead of emotional fraud, but they still use their charm to gain approval from the outside world and build relationships with those they consider unique and special to benefit them.

#11

The effects of narcissistic parenting can be exacerbated by other family members who participate in the bullying or who look the other way in the interest of maintaining a certain reputation.

#12

Rage, envy, and contempt are the emotions that narcissistic individuals feel strongly. Otherwise, their emotions are quite surface-level and fleeting. They may be able to lash out in unprecedented fury, but they can rarely show love or affection towards their children with the same level of commitment.

#13

Those with tendencies like Narcissistic parents exploit others without considering the emotions or rights of others. They may exploit their children to gain financial resources, social status, and approval from others.

#14

Narcissists are cold and indifferent towards others. They do not view others around them as human beings. They are cruel and insensitive to the plight of their children, ignoring them in times of distress.

#15

The inability to keep up with day-to-day responsibilities is a hallmark of sociopaths. They live impulsively and never think or care about the consequences of their actions. Their impulsivity and irresponsibility can be dangerous, and they often move from city to city to escape accountability.

#16

Those with antisocial traits are notorious for leading double lives and infidelity. They can keep these double lives under wraps for a long time before they are exposed.

#17

Those who exhibit sexual deviance and sadism can engage in pedophilia, voyeurism, child sexual exploitation rings, rape, assault, or even the enabling of other sexual predators.

#18

Not all