Narcissism - What comes to mind when you hear this word -- self-absorption, inflated self-image, lacking empathy, feeling better than others, taking others for granted? Is this what we hope for our children? Not really. These are concerning words, and not what most parents wish for their children. Of course we understand that very young children, birth to 5 years old, are naturally ego-centric as they learn where they fit in the world. But when children reach school age and are developing a clearer sense of themselves and others, narcissism becomes a concern as an extreme personality trait which can harm children’s development and social relationships. When most extreme, it is diagnosed as a personality disorder that requires therapeutic treatment.
Research suggests that narcissism is increasing.