When a narcissist treats you like you are a child, it is often part of their manipulative and controlling behavior. There are several reasons why a narcissist might engage in this kind of treatment:
Power and Control: Treating someone like a child gives the narcissist a sense of power and control over the other person. They enjoy the feeling of superiority and dominance, which allows them to manipulate and influence you more easily.
Dependency: By treating you like a child, the narcissist fosters a sense of dependency in you. They want you to rely on them for guidance, validation, and decision-making, creating a dynamic where you feel unable to function or make choices without their input.
Emotional Immaturity: Narcissists often exhibit emotional immaturity themselves, and treating others like children might reflect their inability to handle mature and equal relationships.
Devaluation: Narcissists tend to devalue others as a way to maintain their inflated sense of self-importance. Treating you like a child is a form of demeaning behavior that reinforces their belief in their superiority.
Dismissing Your Needs: By treating you like a child, the narcissist can dismiss your needs, desires, and opinions. They may not take you seriously or consider your feelings, further eroding your self-esteem.
Gaslighting: As mentioned earlier, gaslighting is a common tactic used by narcissists to manipulate others. Treating you like a child and invalidating your thoughts and emotions contributes to gaslighting, making you doubt your own judgment and reality.
Projection: Sometimes, a narcissist may project their own emotional vulnerabilities and insecurities onto others, treating them as if they were the vulnerable ones, like children who need protection and constant supervision.
It's important to recognize these manipulative behaviors and seek support if you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist. Remember that you are an adult with valid feelings and opinions, and you deserve to be treated with respect and equality in any relationship. If the situation becomes toxic and detrimental to your well-being, consider seeking professional help and potentially distancing yourself from the narcissist for your emotional and mental health.