EPISODE · Jun 30, 2026 · 33 MIN
Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: Expert Strategies to Protect Your Children and Your Sanity
from Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam · host Dr. Cam
Co-parenting is challenging enough when both parents are working together. But when you're dealing with a narcissistic co-parent—or someone who constantly turns parenting into a competition—it can leave you feeling exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and worried about your child's well-being. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kibby McMahon, CEO of Kula Mind and expert in personality disorders, to discuss practical strategies for navigating one of the most difficult parenting dynamics. Together, they unpack why narcissistic co-parents thrive on power struggles, how to stop getting pulled into the drama, and what you can do to protect your child while maintaining your own peace of mind. If you're tired of defending yourself, feeling manipulated, or wondering how to create stability for your child despite a difficult co-parent, this episode offers actionable tools and much-needed reassurance. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How to recognize narcissistic co-parenting behaviors and avoid getting trapped in endless power struggles Why the Gray Rock technique can help you respond to a narcissistic co-parent without escalating conflict How to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively when collaboration feels impossible What parents can do to protect children from unhealthy parenting dynamics and build resilience 🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don't keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫 🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Gray Rock Communication Technique CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Kibby McMahon Website: https://coolamind.com Instagram: @dr.kibby Podcast: A Little Help for Our Friends CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell Website: askdrcam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell TikTok: @the.teen.translator YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Facebook: @DrCamCaswell EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Navigating Co-Parenting with a Narcissist 01:10 Meet Dr. Kibby McMahon 02:50 What Narcissism Really Is 05:21 Why Narcissistic Dynamics Become a Competition 09:14 How to Stop Getting Pulled Into the Fight 10:50 The Gray Rock Technique Explained 15:05 Using Collaborative Communication 18:17 Handling Different Parenting Styles 20:56 Helping Kids Navigate Two Households 23:02 Making Requests That Actually Work 25:34 Can Kids Develop Narcissistic Traits? 28:35 Avoiding the Counter-Reaction Trap 30:42 Final Advice for Parents 32:16 Resources and Closing Thoughts ABOUT THE SHOW The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth. Whether you're struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together. #theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #coparenting #narcissisticabuse
What this episode covers
Co-parenting with a narcissistic partner presents unique challenges that go far beyond typical parenting disagreements. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Kibby McMahon reveals evidence-based strategies for navigating this complex dynamic while prioritizing your children’s wellbeing. The core issue: narcissists operate from a ”disorder of specialness,” believing they’re inherently superior and requiring constant validation. This manifests as one-upmanship, power struggles, and a fundamental inability to collaborate—even when children’s needs are at stake. Dr. McMahon introduces Gray Rock, a proven technique where you become as boring and unresponsive as a gray rock, eliminating the narcissist’s ability to provoke reactive behavior. She emphasizes that you cannot win a competition with a narcissistic co-parent; stepping out of the ”boxing ring” entirely is the only winning move.
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Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: Expert Strategies to Protect Your Children and Your Sanity
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