narcissistic mother

A narcissistic mother treats her child as an extension of herself rather than as a separate person with their own needs, feelings, and identity. She may be overtly self-centered and critical, or covertly martyred and passive-aggressive—but the underlying dynamic is the same: the child exists to serve her emotional needs, not the other way around.

Daughters and sons of narcissistic mothers often grow up with deep wounds around worth, voice, and belonging. They may struggle with guilt whenever they prioritize themselves, fear being "too much," and replay the same impossible dance in adult relationships. Healing involves naming what happened, grieving the mother they deserved, and learning to give themselves the attunement and care they never received.