Have you ever felt like you missed out on your childhood because you were too busy parenting

your own parent? This episode of Covert Narcissism Podcast dives deep into the hidden trauma of parentification—a heartbreaking dynamic where children take on adult responsibilities to meet the emotional or physical needs of their caregivers, especially covert narcissistic parents.

Growing up as the emotional support system, household manager, or peacekeeper in a volatile

home leaves lasting scars. Many adult children of covert narcissists share similar experiences:

managing their parent’s emotions, walking on eggshells to avoid conflict, or being praised only

when their achievements made the parent look good. These children often internalize guilt, low

self-esteem, and the belief that they are responsible for fixing others’ problems—a mindset that can persist well into adulthood.

In this episode, we uncover:

What is parentification? The difference between instrumental parentification (cooking,

cleaning, managing tasks) and emotional parentification (being your parent’s therapist or

confidant).

Real-life examples of how covert narcissistic parents burden their children with adult

responsibilities, leaving them to miss out on the carefree joy of childhood.

The long-term effects of growing up with a covert narcissistic parent, from difficulty

trusting others to struggles with self-worth and parenting their own children.

Healing and reclaiming your life, including setting boundaries, processing trauma, and

embracing the childhood joy you never had.

If you grew up feeling like your worth was tied to your parent’s approval or you’re still carrying

the emotional weight of their needs, this episode will resonate deeply. You’ll gain insights into

why you feel this way and actionable steps to heal and break the cycle.

Tune in and learn how to turn your pain into wisdom, rebuild your confidence, and create a life

rooted in self-love and emotional freedom. Your story matters, and healing is possible. Listen

now!