Parent-child relationships tend to be complex in general.
Distinguishing whether the issues go beyond normal familial bickering and into unhealthy, toxic territory can be difficult.
The parent ignores a child’s subjective experience.
One sign of gaslighting is when a parent denies their child’s lived experiences.
The parent plays the victim.
Playing the victim is a common tendency ofcovert narcissists,psychopaths, andgaslighters.
The parent makes their child feel worse about themselves.
Spinelli says this behavior indicates gaslighting.
The parent is overly controlling.
In other words, the parent controls what their child should like, dislike, value, and believe.
There are many reasons a parent may gaslight their child.
In many cases, the behavior is a response to their own upbringing.
“This leaves their child feeling misunderstood, lonely, disconnected, and often angry,” Munoz explains.
“It may also erode a child’s sense of self/self-confidence.”
Summary
Become aware of the issue.
Working with atherapistand educating yourself on thesigns of gaslightingcan be really helpful for this step.
Check in on the facts.
“Your mental health is a priority.”
Experiencinggaslightingin any relationship is damaging, but the effects can be even more formative when coming from a parent.
Seeking support from trusted friends, family members, and professionals can also help.
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