Daughters Who Dare

Join Erin and her guests, as they delve into what it means to be a child of a narcissistic parent.  Each fortnightly episode is crammed full of honesty, humour and hope.I wish I could say, “I can fly!” or “I’m invisible!,” but my superpower is not as unique or amazing as those. I know a few other people - personally - who also have this special power.My superpower may not come as a surprise. I can spot a narcissist from a mile away. I can do it with my eyes closed, my nose pegged and my hands tied behind my back. I don’t need a cape to be a superhero, but I wouldn’t say no to one.The frustration I have is that I can’t give or lend my superpower to anyone in need…even to a loved one who I can plainly see being threatened by a narcissist of their very own.Instead of dwelling on the many things I CAN’T DO in this heart wrenching situation, I choose to focus on the things I CAN DO. I choose to have frequent, honest conversations, reminding that loved one to create and maintain boundaries, to stand firm and speak up, all the while hoping that - one day - they, too, will have the same superpower I do.We can be superheroes together…conquering one narcissist at a time. We can rule the world! 

Join Erin and her guests, as they delve into what it means to be a child of a narcissistic parent.  Each fortnightly episode is crammed full of honesty, humour and hope.As a child raised by narcissists, it is far too easy to remember the difficult stuff. There are good times. There are happy memories. But…connecting that happiness to those who inflicted so much pain can be very confusing for the mind and heart!Why should I credit any of my narcissistic parents with my happiness? Gratitude feels wrong and uncomfortable. I mean…imagine praising your kidnapper. Wrong! I can’t deny the happiness, but it can make the hurt sting even more. It isn’t surprising to say that love looks strange when offered by a narcissistic parent. The love is conditional…so any happiness is tarnished with any or all of those conditions. There was happiness. I can’t erase that.But, was it genuine? Was I really happy?

Join Erin and her guests, as they delve into what it means to be a child of a narcissistic parent.  Each fortnightly episode is crammed full of honesty, humour and hope.This topic may not apply to ALL children raised by narcissists, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was experienced by many. Speaking from personal experience, my narcissistic parents’ favourite hiding place was/is religion.For them - all of them - religion becomes an instant crowd of approval, a dedicated rule book, a crutch, a “See! I told you so!” reference, a threat of hell or other repercussions and so on. Hiding behind religion isn’t an act of love or a kind of guidance. It’s basically a convenient hiding place for people who have a superiority or God complex (pun intended).They may think they’re safe and won’t be found! Yeah right!I see them! Oh, and God does too!

Join Erin and her guests, as they delve into what it means to be a child of a narcissistic parent.  Each fortnightly episode is crammed full of honesty, humour and hope. As I have said in a previous episode, “Keep your receipts!” Receipts come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like damning letters or nasty texts, while others look like a harmless, thoughtful, sincere anniversary card. Looks are deceiving! (as are those who sent it) For those in the know, that Hallmark receipt is anything but harmless, thoughtful or sincere. It’s merely a security deposit for my narcissistic parents. They need to keep up appearances for all who ask. It’s important that they can answer, “We send anniversary cards every year. We do our best to stay in touch.” Oh…the absolute irony! In the past, picking up that envelope would have ruined my day, sent me down a rabbit hole and reduced me to tears.  Not anymore! Now, it serves a purpose. Now, I see it for what it really is…validation. It reminds me that I’m not crazy…they are!