To get attention, the narcissist parent says whatever it takes, often contradicting him/herself and leaving the young child confused. These are things that a narcissist parent might say to a child–not only an adult child but to a young child as well (parentheses indicated unsaid thoughts):
- No one loves me (you better).
- I’ll always be alone.
- You constantly disappoint me.
- You never disappoint me. You’re the only one who doesn’t.
- No one appreciates me.
- You don’t appreciate me.
- At least you appreciate me.
- You’re so greedy. You take everything for you. What about me?
- This is not the life I wanted.
- Grow up (and pay attention to me).
- All the hard work is mine.
- We’ll always have each other (but what I really mean is…you better not leave me).
