narcissistic father

A narcissistic father prioritizes his own image, needs, and feelings over those of his children. He may be grandiose and domineering, or covertly fragile and self-pitying—but in either case, his children often feel like props, extensions of him, or targets for his frustration. Love is typically conditional on meeting his expectations, staying loyal, and not outshining him.

Adult children of narcissistic fathers frequently struggle with shame, perfectionism, anger, and difficulty trusting their own worth. Healing usually involves naming the dynamic clearly, grieving the father they needed but did not have, setting limits or going low/no contact, and working in therapy to rebuild a secure sense of self that doesn't depend on his approval.