Expect nastiness and ignore. Backhanded comments and character attacks are a narcissist’s favorite pastimes. A narcissist’s goal is to elicit an emotional response. However, if you are prepared for it it makes it easier to ignore.

Be aware of triangulation. A narcissist loves to align one person, or group of people, with them and against another person. Making you the “bad guy” against your kids may be frequent. Deflect this by following these guidelines:

Do not succumb to threats or guilt. The narcissist wants to rattle your cage when you are enjoying your kids. Ignore him. Resurrect a healthy boundary and protect your time with the kids.

Be aware of the narcissist’s tendency to play favorites. Although it is upsetting to watch this unfold with your kids, a narcissist has minimal ability to understand another person’s perspective if it differs from his. Instead, encourage the kids to share their feelings. When they do, empathize with their feelings.

Parent with empathy. A narcissist lacks empathy, which is what a child needs to thrive emotionally. They are able to sympathize because they become the saver and rescuer, which strokes their ego. Yet, pity strips children of their self-efficacy and teaches them to play the victim.