Surviving Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: Practical Tips and Emotional Support
Episode Overview
Narcissists often use children, finances, and the court system to maintain control. Maintaining your mental health is crucial; think of it as putting on your own oxygen mask first. Parallel parenting can help minimise direct contact with the narcissist. Regulating your nervous system helps manage emotions effectively. Finding ways to thrive amidst chaos is possible with the right strategies.
If you keep waiting for them to change, that's like you drinking rat poison and expecting the rat to die.
Parenting with a narcissist can feel like an endless battle, but Caroline Strawson's latest episode of The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast offers some much-needed guidance. Caroline, a trauma therapist and coach, dives into the harrowing experience of co-parenting with a narcissist, even after separation. She shares her personal journey, revealing how narcissists often use children, finances, and the court system to maintain control and inflict post-separation abuse.
Caroline's candid reflections on her own struggles, including feelings of guilt and shame, resonate deeply with anyone in a similar situation. She emphasises the importance of maintaining your mental health first - likening it to putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others. One of the key strategies she discusses is parallel parenting, a method designed to minimise direct contact with the narcissist while protecting your emotional well-being and providing stability for your children.
Caroline also highlights the significance of nervous system regulation to manage your emotions effectively. This episode isn't just about surviving; it's about finding ways to thrive amidst the chaos. Caroline's blend of professional expertise and personal anecdotes creates a supportive and informative space for anyone grappling with the challenges of parenting alongside a narcissist. If you're struggling to co-parent with a narcissist, this episode offers practical advice and hope for a more stable future.