Episode 60: Narcissist in the Family

How to deal with Narcissistic relatives

It can be so challenging and confronting to have to deal continually with someone with Narcissistic wounding because they happen to be in our family! Each family system is different, however there are some steps to take to help with managing yourself through what can be an extremely challenging dynamic.

We need to understand the strategies employed by our particular narcissistic and which of those strategies we are most reactive to.

Our best opportunity is to not look to change the narcissist but rather to change our reactions in relation to dealing with them. I truly hope this episode helps you to form an approach to better achieve that.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of Relationship expert Jerry Wise whose ideas helped  contribute to this episode and Feedspot for nominating the Sean Healy "Tools" and Emergence Training as one of the top 15 podcast resources on the net in relation to Narcissism.

Episode 49: Adult Children Raised By Narcissists Pt II

Understand the challenges and how to heal

The whole challenge of having been exposed to Narcissistic behaviour through a parent as a child is such a complex area.

Certain coping responses get employed often just to survive especially if the parent is on the extreme end of the spectrum.

As a result, the adult child can have some unique challenges to overcome in order to embrace their own life and have healthy and loving relationships.

When we have been consistently shamed, told we don't measure up, shown little empathy and emotional understanding it can leave us vulnerable to attracting in toxic people into our adult experience.

This episode looks at some of the challenges facing those that grew up in a household affected by Narcissism and what needs to be done to heal from such an experience.

Another challenging episode to hear for some but so important to recover and the reclaiming of self.

Episode 48: Adult Children Raised By Narcissists Part I

Understanding the dynamics of narcissistic parenting

Narcissism is challenging at the best of times to deal with let alone having been raised by a parent on the Narcissism spectrum.

In order to accommodate the narcissistic parent, the child must learn to adapt and mould to what it perceives are the parent's expectations. If not, the consequences can be severe! However part of maintaining a perceived position of superiority for the narcissist is that strategies are employed to see the child never measures up.

This continued message of never being enough can result in challenging consequences later in life. 

Through understanding more of the dynamic and its potential consequences a person who had to endure this upbringing can begin to recover and take control of their lives. 

A possibly challenging episode for some to hear but important for healing!

Episode 45: Parenting Awareness

Honouring the authenticity of our child

The parenting journey is so amazing and challenging at the same time and I can't think of a greater self-development course than embarking on the journey of raising a child!

This episode is designed to support parents and further champion children by inviting parents to examine their own childhood experiences. The more aware we are of the reality of what we experienced growing up the more conscious rather than reactive our parenting becomes.

We need to look with honesty and balance at what went on and how it may be biasing our parenting in a way that is not allowing us to honour the authenticity of our child.

It is hard to acknowledge our child's emotions if we didn't get much of that as a child. It is challenging to allow a child to be who they are if we grew up in a family with very strong ideas of expectation of who we should be to gain approval.

The more aware we are as parents of our drivers them more fulfilling, enriching and wonderous our relationships with our children can be!

Episode 38: The Joy of Family Business

Key areas of challenge that family businesses face

If done well a family business can be a fantastic experience! We generally tend to spend more time with those we work with than anyone else. Why not spend it with those you love!

However there can be challenges and risks when we combine family dynamics with the stress and pressure of business. 

It is so important to take the family out of family business at certain times and stick with professional behaviour.

If we can do this we increase the chance of creating healthy, loving, thriving businesses and enjoying family at the same time.

Enjoy!

Episode 36: Part II More Resources on Modern Parenting

Keep the parent/child connection strong

Keeping our attachment bond strong with our children is central to the health of the parent/child relationship. Without healthy attachment, every aspect of parenting and guiding young people to developmental maturity becomes so much harder.

This Episode continues on form Episode 35 and heavily utilises the ideas put forward in the amazing book for parents "Hold on to your Kids" Why parents need to matter more than peers by Gordon Neufeld Ph.d and Gabor Mate Ph.d.

This episode looks at some of the approaches that can help keep connection strong in the face of so many other elements of modern culture competing for the attention of our children.

A valuable episode for any parent, I hope you enjoy!

Episode 35: More Resources on Modern Parenting

Understanding attachment bonds with children

Parenting is challenging, especially with all the external demands that you face that can take away from precious time with children. 

This episode explores and helps you develop a little more understanding around attachment bonds with children. It also addresses a style of parenting approach that will help to really support healthy attachment for children compared to what can take away from healthy attachment.

Any information and increased understanding on the behalf of parents when it comes to supporting the development of healthy, resilient children has got to be valuable not only to the child but the parent as well. When we feel that we understand what is presenting then we move with greater assuredness and confidence, thus adding to our parenting.

Episode 17: Parenting Styles

Through greater awareness, we become more emotionally attuned to the needs and requirements of children.

Episode 17 Parenting Styles explores some of the ways in which we were parented. This awareness can be profound as it opens the door for more present and conscious parenting.

Especially in moments of stress and challenge which are unavoidable as a parent, it can prevent us from reverting back to what we were exposed to in particular if that was painful to experience as a child.

Episode 17 draws from the work of Jonice Webb Phd with Christine Musello and their profound book Running on Empty. Through greater awareness, we become more emotionally attuned to the needs and requirements of children as we navigate the ever challenging nature of modern parenting and its consequences.

I hope this episode promotes more exploration around what it is to be the champion, guide and protector of young ones.

Episode 09: Tips for Dynamic Parenting

Foundational frames to support parents in raising happy, healthy, and confident children. 

Parenting is such a challenging role, and like never before, modern parenting is presented with some novel hurdles to overcome.

This episode is based around some of the work of world-renowned author on codependency Pia Mellody combined with a number of other sources. In brief, we touch upon self-esteem, boundaries for children, teaching a moderate approach to life and much more. This episode is aimed at providing the listener with some fundamental touch points in supporting the welfare of your child or children. 

Episode 08: Introducing The Family System

The I of who we are emerges from an us - The family we grew up in.

This episode explores how we are parts of a larger whole known as our family system and how we adapt to support that larger system sometimes at the expense of self.

If you have ever been left bewildered by something that has happened in your family or confused with certain dynamics that are playing out with others, in particular, loved ones and work colleagues then this episode could be for you.

We will explore some ideas around healthy and unhealthy family dynamics and how they could be getting in the way of your happiness, success and fulfilment.

Episode 8 draws on some of the astounding contributions from therapists and recovery specialists such as Virginia Satir, John Bradshaw, Pia Melody, Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse and Claudia Black.

I hope you enjoy the episode!