Narcissism Glossary
making the child choose a parent
↔️ The pattern of persistently disparaging the other parent before the child, or forcing side-choosing like a loyalty test — planting emotional conflict in them.
Hearing out a child's own discomfort differs from dragging them into the adults' conflict.
Hearing out a child's own discomfort differs from dragging them into the adults' conflict.
Often seen in situations like these
"Mom or Dad — choose now." A happy visit with the other parent gets received as betrayal.
When this happens, try this
💡 Let the child know loving both parents is allowed. Where safety issues exist, explain only the facts the child needs and the protective rules — not verdicts on the other parent.