Yes, narcissists can discard their children emotionally, psychologically, or even physically. Narcissists often lack genuine empathy and are primarily focused on their own needs and desires. As a result, they may neglect or mistreat their children when their needs clash with those of the narcissistic parent.
There are several ways narcissists may discard their children:
Emotional neglect: Narcissistic parents may fail to provide emotional support, validation, or care for their children's emotional needs. They might be indifferent or dismissive of their children's feelings, leading the child to feel unimportant and unloved.
Emotional abuse: Narcissistic parents can be highly critical, demeaning, and manipulative towards their children. They may use emotional abuse to control and undermine their children's self-esteem, making them feel unworthy and incapable.
Favoritism and scapegoating: In some cases, narcissistic parents might have a favorite child whom they shower with attention and praise, while scapegoating another child, subjecting them to constant criticism and blame.
Physical abandonment: In extreme cases, a narcissistic parent might physically abandon their children, either through neglect or by leaving the family altogether.
Disengagement: Narcissistic parents may become disengaged and uninvolved in their children's lives, showing little interest in their achievements, experiences, or well-being.
It's important to note that not all parents with narcissistic traits will exhibit the same behaviors, and the degree of harm inflicted on the children can vary depending on the individual circumstances. Children raised by narcissistic parents may experience long-term emotional and psychological effects, including low self-esteem, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and struggles with trust and intimacy.
If you or someone you know is dealing with the effects of having a narcissistic parent, seeking support from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial in processing these experiences and developing healthy coping mechanisms.