Online Class: Growing Up Narcissistic — Children in Self-Centered Families

Delve into the intricacies of narcissistic family interactions with this transformative course, designed for those seeking to understand and transcend conditions of emotional manipulation and conditional love. Learn to cultivate resilience and empathy as you navigate the repercussions of sibling dynamics and parental narcissism, ultimately reshaping your familial relationships for future growth.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Rodman Public Library
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 22
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 3
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.3
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Do you remember the moments when you wondered why you felt trapped in your own family dynamics, a conscious observer of relationships that seemed to coexist under a veil of false harmony?

You are not alone, and if these questions resonate with you, your next step toward self-discovery and healing begins here. Welcome to "Growing Up Narcissistic: Children in Self-Centered Families," an enlightening psychological journey that will not only unravel the complexity of narcissistic family dynamics but equip you with the tools to transcend them.

Our course is not just an academic endeavor--it's a transformative experience crafted for those who seek to understand and heal from the intricate web of narcissistic influences. This isn't just about identifying narcissistic traits; it's about peeling back the layers to reveal the root of these behaviors, exploring their origins, and understanding their profound impact on children within these environments. You will dive deeply into the dynamics at play, including sibling rivalry and favoritism that can bolster narcissistic traits, learning how these relationships shape children's self-images and the steps necessary to reframe these perceptions.

Imagine possessing the keen insight to recognize and dismantle the manipulation and boundary violations typical in narcissistic families. Imagine a future where you, previously dependent on conditional love and approval, stand firm in self-acceptance and resilience. In this course, that future becomes accessible. Through our expertly crafted narrative, you'll grasp the immense role narcissistic parenting plays in shaping self-esteem, understanding how children develop coping mechanisms in the face of emotional neglect and manipulation.

This course uniquely segues into the often-overlooked realm of sibling dynamics, offering insight into how these relationships sustain or challenge familial narcissism. You will explore strategies to cultivate empathy and constructive connections, thereby disrupting the cycle and promoting healing. Never again feel overshadowed by siblings vying for attention in a family environment where love seems to depend on meeting unrealistic expectations.

With our course, you'll learn not just to recognize gaslighting and manipulation but to wield the power of this knowledge to protect and empower yourself. Develop robust interpersonal skills that outshine the self-centered influences of your upbringing. Our narrative guides you to navigate adult life with the clarity and capabilities needed to form healthy, meaningful relationships outside the confines of a narcissistic past.

Picture yourself free from the confines of a history that has defined you for too long. As you progress, you'll cultivate the tools to set firm and effective boundaries with narcissistic family members, transforming interactions and protecting your emotional well-being. But we don't just leave you at understanding; we guide you into recovery from trauma and toward genuine growth. By the course's end, you'll be armed with the resources and support systems essential for an empowered, liberated future.

This course isn't just about identifying what's gone wrong. It's about what can go right when you take control. You won't be left sifting through information without direction. We build a supportive community along your journey, fostering an environment of healing, where your voice is heard, and your story is respected.

The change you seek is not just possible--it's within reach. By enrolling in "Growing Up Narcissistic: Children in Self-Centered Families," you commit not only to understanding your past but reshaping your future. Say yes to empowerment, yes to healing, and yes to a life redefined by personal strength and clarity. Join us on this critical journey today, and transform your understanding of family dynamics from a source of frustration and limitation into one of discovery and liberation. Your journey starts here--are you ready to take the first step?

 
 

Course Lessons

Lesson 1. Exploring Narcissism Through Family Dynamics: A Profound Psychological Journey

Sibling rivalry and favoritism within families can intensify narcissistic traits, with children often developing inflated self-images to cope with perceived inferiority. The lesson emphasizes the importance of managing competition constructively to nurture empathy and constructive connections among siblings. 13 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-WorkSheet-28729.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Unmasking Parental Narcissism: Traits and Impacts

Narcissistic family dynamics often involve manipulation, conditional love, and boundary violations, stalling children's emotional and psychological growth while fostering dependency on approval. Individuals raised in such settings can overcome these barriers through insight, self-acceptance, and the establishment of firm personal boundaries. 11 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-StudyGuide-28731.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Breaking Chains: Overcoming the Emotional Toll of Narcissistic Parents

Adult children of narcissistic parents often struggle with lingering self-doubt and relationship challenges as they adapt entrenched childhood patterns. Healing involves self-discovery, reparenting techniques, mindfulness, and establishing healthy boundaries. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-WorkSheet-28735.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Reclaiming Self-Worth: Healing Emotional Scars of Narcissistic Parenting

Children raised by narcissistic parents often struggle with self-worth due to unmet emotional needs and conditional love. Over time, they may face perpetual self-doubt and develop unhealthy relationship patterns, yet can achieve healing through awareness and therapeutic interventions. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-Activity-28738.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Entangled Loyalties: When Siblings Navigate Narcissism Together

In narcissistic families, favoritism and rivalry flourish, often leaving siblings grappling with issues of self-worth and validation. Therapy and self-awareness can help dismantle these learned behaviors, allowing siblings to rebuild relationships based on respect and understanding. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-WorkSheet-28742.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. The Impact of Favoritism in Families

Establishing boundaries amid narcissistic family dynamics involves self-awareness and emotional intelligence, safeguarding against manipulation. Consistent communication and self-care empower individuals to assert their needs and cultivate healthier relational patterns. 18 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-Activity-28745.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Dysfunctional Dynamics: How Narcissistic Parenting Undermines Self-Worth

Narcissistic parenting fuels low self-worth in children by using them as tools for the parent's self-esteem and imposing conditional acceptance based on performance. Recognizing these dysfunctional patterns allows families to cultivate empathy and create environments for authentic self-expression and emotional resilience. 19 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-Downloadable-28748.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Healing Through Awareness: Escaping the Narcissistic Cycle

Communication strategies like active listening and open-ended questioning can mend relationships damaged by self-centered family dynamics, enabling trust and mutual respect. Establishing boundaries and being open to constructive feedback further foster healthier interactions, enhancing interpersonal competencies. 21 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-Activity-28752.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Empowerment through Awareness: Overcoming Toxic Family Patterns

Children in narcissistic environments face unique challenges, such as emotional manipulation and a focus on appearance, which can damage self-esteem and well-being. However, cultivating resilience and understanding these patterns can help individuals reclaim their narratives and develop healthier dynamics. 21 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-HomeWork-28753.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Decoding Gaslighting: Mastering the Art of Reality Affirmation in Family Dynamics

Gaslighting involves psychological manipulation to instill doubt, notably in narcissistic families, impacting children’s emotional development and future relationships. Recovery is possible through education, cognitive restructuring, and support networks, aiding individuals in reconstructing self-worth and developing resilience against manipulation. 21 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-WorkSheet-28754.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Boundaries and Resilience: Transforming Narcissistic Legacies

Growing up in a narcissistic family profoundly impacts a child's emotional development, often resulting in low self-esteem and a skewed self-image. However, through therapy and fostering supportive environments, individuals can heal and reclaim their emotional well-being. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-HomeWork-28755.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. Childhood Narcissism's Ripple Effects: Unveiling Adult Relationship Dynamics

Childhood environments that foster narcissistic traits can significantly shape adult relationships due to ingrained patterns of self-centeredness and emotional detachment. Therapy and self-awareness provide pathways for individuals to transform these patterns, enhancing relationship quality through empathy and vulnerability. 15 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-WorkSheet-28756.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. Healthy Relationship Building

Rebuilding self-esteem and personal boundaries is vital for those emerging from narcissistic households, where respect and individuality are often compromised. By learning effective communication, individuals can create positive interactions that validate and empower, setting a strong foundation for future relationships. 14 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-Downloadable-28757.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Navigating Narcissistic Family Dynamics: Strategies for Boundary Setting

Narcissistic family dynamics frequently involve skewed siblings' roles, leading to enduring self-doubt or unrealistic standards; establishing personal boundaries can mitigate these destructive patterns. Embracing self-compassion and supportive communities empowers individuals to transform perceived vulnerabilities into strengths while fostering nurturing connections. 19 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-StudyGuide-28758.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

Lesson 15. Building Emotional Competence and Resilience

Narcissistic family dynamics force children into roles like the 'golden child' or 'scapegoat,' masking their deep emotional needs. By exploring these roles, individuals can unlock pathways to authentic self-acceptance and break free from performance-based value systems. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-Downloadable-28759.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Review Exam
272
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define the key characteristics of narcissistic behavior within family dynamics, including the impact of parental and sibling influences.
  • Identify the role of genetic and environmental factors in the development of narcissism as highlighted by recent research, evaluating their interplay in shaping personality traits.
  • Identify and demonstrate coping strategies commonly used by children of narcissistic parents, such as humor or emotional detachment, and analyze their long-term effects.
  • Identify and describe three core traits of narcissistic parenting—grandiosity, entitlement, and lack of empathy—and their impact on child development.
  • Identify and demonstrate strategies to establish personal boundaries and promote self-awareness in relationships affected by narcissistic behaviors.
  • Recognize and describe at least three specific narcissistic traits that negatively impact child development.
  • Define the psychological impact of narcissistic parenting on children's self-worth and coping mechanisms.
  • Identify strategies to address and mitigate the effects of narcissistic parenting through therapeutic interventions and personal growth techniques.
  • Describe therapeutic approaches that help individuals from narcissistic families establish healthier relationship patterns and redefine self-worth independent of familial validation.
  • Identify the impact of narcissistic family dynamics on sibling relationships and provide examples of rivalry and alliances.
  • Demonstrate effective communication techniques to address favoritism and promote balanced family dynamics by fostering open dialogue and inclusivity among siblings and parents.
  • Identify and describe the psychological impacts of favoritism on favored and unfavored siblings, including emotional responses and long-term effects.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Growing Up Narcissistic: Children in Self-Centered Families
Course Number: 57701479
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: July 2025
CEU Value: 0.3 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher for successful completion.
Course Type: Curriculum-Based, Online Class
Instructional Method: Self-Paced, Asynchronous
Assessment Method: End of lesson review exams and course final exam

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