Narcissistic Family Roles: The Golden Child & The Scapegoat

Ever wonder why one sibling is praised while another is constantly blamed? In this special episode, I (the ADHD Scapegoat) sit down with my sister—once labeled our family’s “Golden Child”—to tackle the unspoken roles within a dysfunctional, narcissistic family system. We share how pitting siblings against each other creates lasting emotional damage, and we discuss the unspoken “rules” that keep everyone in line (or in constant conflict). From understanding why rage gets normalized to discovering how fear and shame kept us from forming deeper bonds, we reveal how we’re finally healing and rebuilding a genuine sisterly connection. If you’re seeking clarity about scapegoating, favoritism, and the complexities of growing up in a narcissistic family, this episode is for you.