Last Updated on January 11, 2023
It is important to remember that you are not alone when co-parenting with a narcissist. Here are some tips on how to cope:
1. Keep communication clear and concise.
Narcissists thrive on chaos and confusion, so make sure you are clear about your expectations and boundaries.
2. Do not engage in arguments or power struggles. This will only fuel the narcissist’s need for control and validation.
3. Stay calm and collected. It can be difficult to remain level-headed when dealing with a narcissistic individual, but it is important to remember that they are trying to bait you into reactions that will give them what they want – your attention and energy.
Parallel parenting the only way to coparent with a narcissist
- Understand what you’re dealing with: A narcissist is someone who has an inflated sense of self and a deep need for admiration
- They are often charming and charismatic, but can also be manipulative and demanding
- Keep communication to a minimum: You don’t need to share every detail of your life with your co-parent
- In fact, it’s best to keep communication to a minimum so you don’t give them any ammunition to use against you
- Set boundaries: It’s important that you set boundaries with a narcissist so they know what they can and cannot do
- For example, you might want to limit contact to email or text only, or set strict times for when they can see the children
- Don’t engage in arguments: Narcissists love nothing more than a good argument, so it’s best to avoid them altogether
- If they do try to start an argument, walk away or end the conversation abruptly
- Be prepared for games: Narcissists are known for playing mind games, so it’s important that you’re prepared for anything they might try to do
- For example, they may try to turn the children against you or lie about something in order to get what they want from you
Signs You are Co Parenting With a Narcissist
Are you co-parenting with a narcissist? It can be a difficult and frustrating experience, to say the least. Here are some signs that may help you identify whether your co-parent is a narcissist:
1. They constantly seek attention and approval.
2. They have an inflated sense of self-importance.
3. They lack empathy for others.
4. They are always seeking to be the center of attention.
5. They have a need for constant admiration from others.
6. They believe they are better than others and expect special treatment as such.
Credit: theeverymom.com
Can You Successfully Co Parent With a Narcissist?
It is possible to successfully co-parent with a narcissist, but it will be difficult. A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered and has an inflated sense of their own importance. They are often manipulative and can be very challenging to deal with.
If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, it is important to set boundaries and stick to them. You need to be clear about what you will and will not tolerate from the other person. It is also important to keep communication as civil as possible, even if the other person is being difficult.
Successfully co-parenting with a narcissist requires patience, understanding, and a lot of effort. However, it can be done if both parties are willing to work together for the sake of the children.
Why is It So Hard to Co Parent With a Narcissist?
It’s no secret that parenting is hard. But when you have to co-parent with a narcissist, it can be even more difficult. Narcissists are self-absorbed, manipulative, and often lack empathy.
This can make it very hard to communicate and work together for the sake of your children.
Here are some tips for co-parenting with a narcissist:
1. Establish boundaries.
It’s important to set boundaries with a narcissist in order to protect yourself from their manipulation and verbal abuse. Make sure you are clear about what you will and will not tolerate from them.
2. Keep communication brief and to the point.
Don’t engage in long conversations or arguments with a narcissist. They will only use this as an opportunity to try to manipulate or control the situation. Keep communication brief and focused on logistics rather than emotions.
3. Don’t take their bait. Narcissists often try to provoke an emotional reaction from you in order to get attention or satisfaction. Don’t take the bait!
Remain calm and collected, even if they are trying to push your buttons.
How Do You Navigate Co-Parenting With a Narcissist?
It can be difficult to navigate co-parenting with a narcissist for a variety of reasons. For one, narcissists tend to be highly manipulative and may try to use their children as pawns in their own games. They may also refuse to communicate or cooperate with the other parent, making it difficult to make joint decisions about parenting.
Additionally, they may use their children as a means to lash out at the other parent or try to control them through emotional manipulation. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this situation and there are ways to deal with a narcissistic co-parent.
If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, it is important that you set boundaries and stick to them.
This means being clear about what you will and will not tolerate from the other parent. It is also crucial that you maintain open communication with the other parent, even if it is difficult. This way, you can stay on the same page about parenting decisions and avoid any conflict.
Additionally, try to keep your interactions with the other parent as civil as possible. Arguing or fighting in front of your children can be damaging for them emotionally, so it is best to avoid this if possible. If you need help dealing with a narcissistic co-parent, consider seeking out therapy or counseling services.
Should I Coparent With a Narcissist?
No, you should not coparent with a narcissist. Narcissists are notoriously difficult to deal with and they will likely make your life more difficult if you try to coparent with them. Here are some reasons why:
1. They’re self-centered. Narcissists are all about themselves and their own needs. They’ll have little patience for your concerns or your child’s needs and will be quick to put the blame on you if anything goes wrong.
This can make coparenting very difficult and frustrating.
2. They’re manipulative. Narcissists are masters of manipulation and they will often use your child as a pawn in their games.
This can be emotionally damaging to your child and it will make it very hard for you to co-parent effectively.
3. They’re unreliable. You never know when a narcissist is going to show up or if they’re going to follow through on their commitments.
This can make parenting solo much harder than it needs to be since you can’t rely on them for help when you need it most.
4 They’re always right (in their own minds). Trying to reason with a narcissist is like banging your head against a brick wall – it’s pointless and will only leave you feeling frustrated and angry.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to co-parent with a narcissist, but there are some things you can do to make it easier. First, try to keep communication as calm and rational as possible. Second, avoid getting into arguments or power struggles.
Third, set clear boundaries and stick to them. Finally, make sure you take care of yourself emotionally and mentally.