Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Children of narcissists may develop THESE negative traits

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Oct 17, 2021, 15:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/6

What being raised by narcissistic parents looks like

There's a very thin line between self-confidence and narcissism. While having great self-esteem is important and crucial for one's progress, being narcissistic can be toxic and may damage relationships.


Read more: How to fix your child’s behaviour before it gets too late


When it comes to children, being raised by narcissistic parents can be very destructive and may go on to affect them even when they grow up into an adult. They may become dependent, self-indulgent and can develop negative traits that are hard to let go of. That said, here are some negative traits that children of narcissists may develop.

2/6

Lack of self-esteem

Kids born to narcissistic parents may feel the need to prove themselves. However, they'll lack self-esteem and confidence to do so. Given that their parents have set high standards and are most often critical, they'll grow up to be low on self-esteem.

3/6

People pleasing attitude

Those born to narcissistic parents often grow up to be people pleasers. They are hungry for validation and will go to any lengths to please people around them. Since they cannot accept rejection, they will make sure that they stay on people's good books.


Read more: 6 subtle ways to tell you're a strict parent

4/6

They feel the need to be perfect

Narcissistic parents tend to be critical of their children's efforts and achievements. They're most likely to over exaggerate their struggles and accomplishments, making their children feel petty most of the time. Considering they're bound by their parent's huge expectations, they work towards becoming perfectionists - a lot for a child who is yet to experience a lot in life.

5/6

Dependent

While all kids are dependent on their parents, those born to narcissists cannot fend for themselves, even if they're capable of it. They feel the need to ask their parents everything, their decisions are overshadowed by their parent's decisions and therefore, they lose their individuality on the way.

6/6

Manipulation can become a common trait

One of the character traits they may pick up from their parents is manipulation. Given that narcissists have a great ability to lure people with their words and overachieving instances, children born to such people develop this personality over time. They're good with words and may lie with efficiency.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • Motivational quote of the day by Immanuel Kant: “Rules for happiness..."
  • Cannes 2026 officially belongs to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after this breathtaking second appearance in blush pink couture
  • Thought of the day inspired by Bhagavad Gita: "Not every battle deserves your energy"
  • 5 upscale residential hotspots driving Goa’s luxury real estate boom
  • Greek proverb of the day: “Every penny you give comes back like a knife in your back.”
  • 5 most visited tourist attractions in the USA and what travellers need to know
  • Quote of the day by Maya Angelou: “First best is falling in love. Second best is being in love. Least best is falling out of love. But any of it is better than…”
  • 5 ancient Vedic rituals believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul
  • India’s most mystical and lesser-known mangrove forests travellers rarely talk about
Photostories
  • Motivational quote of the day by Immanuel Kant: “Rules for happiness..."
  • How to grow guava plant in a pot in your balcony
  • Why your calf muscles cramp suddenly at night, and what your body may be trying to tell you
  • From snakes to crabs: Animals that shed their skin and the reason behind it
  • Hollywood actors fired from movies and series
  • 10-minute exercises you can do without leaving your bedroom
  • 5 upscale residential hotspots driving Goa’s luxury real estate boom
  • That burning feeling after meals may be more dangerous than you think: Doctor explains why acidity should never feel normal
  • When will it rain in Delhi? Heatwave, heavy rainfall, and humidity forecast travellers in India need to know
Explore more Stories
  • 10
    How to make South Indian Moong Dal (Pesarattu) for summer lunch at home
  • 8
    How to grow guava plant in a pot in your balcony
  • 6
    Albert Einstein quotes that are surprisingly relevant in today’s world
  • 6
    5 India’s most stunning stepwells that feel straight out of a fantasy world
  • 7
    5 cat breeds with strong snake-hunting instincts that can help protect your home and garden
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • Early Childhood
  • /
  • Children of narcissists may develop THESE negative traits
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 23, 2026, 12.07PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service