Quiz: Is Your Parent Narcissistic? A Quick Check!

Today's Friday • 5 mins read

As kids, it can be hard to spot narcissistic parents because we are taught to respect them. There may be some ways to see them.

For one, do they need to be praised all the time, but cannot hear a word of criticism?

Take the quiz to find out if one or both of your parents are narcissistic.

Is Your Parent Narcissistic? A Quick Check!

A simple self-reflection quiz to help you understand your parent’s certain behavior patterns and their impact on you/others. Please answer honestly, keeping in mind this is for personal insight only and not a professional assessment.

1. Does your parent constantly need to be the center of attention?

Always – everything has to be about them Often – they frequently redirect conversations to themselves Sometimes – they like attention but can share the spotlight Rarely/Never – they’re comfortable with others being the focus

2. How does your parent react when you achieve something?

Makes it about them or compares it to their achievements Gives brief acknowledgment then changes the subject Shows genuine pride but sometimes adds their own stories Celebrates with genuine enthusiasm and support

3. Does your parent respect your personal boundaries?

Never – they invade privacy and ignore your limits Rarely – they struggle to respect boundaries consistently Sometimes – they respect some boundaries but not others Usually – they respect your privacy and personal space

4. How does your parent handle criticism or being wrong?

Explodes in anger or blames others Gets defensive and makes excuses Struggles with it but eventually accepts feedback Listens and acknowledges mistakes gracefully

5. Does your parent show genuine empathy for your feelings?

Never – they dismiss or minimize my emotions Rarely – they acknowledge feelings but make it about them Sometimes – they try but often miss the mark Usually – they listen and validate my emotions

6. How different is your parent in public versus at home?

Completely different – charming in public, difficult at home Noticeably different – more pleasant with outsiders Somewhat different – everyone acts differently in public Mostly the same – consistent personality everywhere

7. Does your parent try to control your relationships with others?

Always – they isolate me from friends/family who challenge them Often – they criticize my relationships and create drama Sometimes – they express opinions but don’t interfere much Rarely/Never – they support my healthy relationships

8. How does your parent handle your independence and autonomy?

Fights it – they want me dependent on them Struggles with it – makes me feel guilty for being independent Mixed feelings – proud but also anxious about my independence Encourages it – they want me to be self-sufficient

9. Does your parent take responsibility for their mistakes?

Never – it’s always someone else’s fault Rarely – they make excuses or blame circumstances Sometimes – they admit fault but often with conditions Usually – they own their mistakes and apologize

10. Growing up, did you feel like you had to manage your parent’s emotions?

Always – I was their emotional caretaker Often – I felt responsible for keeping them happy Sometimes – I worried about their emotional state Rarely/Never – they managed their own emotions

This quiz is for self-reflection and personal interest only, and is not a substitute for professional psychological assessment or advice. Please consider consulting with a qualified mental health professional (such as a therapist or counselor). They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and support tailored to your individual needs.

Your Parental Narcissistic Trait Score: /40

Interpretation: A *higher score* indicates a greater presence of potentially challenging or difficult parental traits, while a *lower score* suggests more supportive and healthy dynamics.

Score 10-17: Your parent likely exhibits generally supportive and healthy traits, fostering a positive environment.
Score 18-29: Your parent may have some challenging traits or behaviors that can occasionally lead to difficulties in your relationship.
Score 30-40: You might be navigating a relationship with a parent who displays a significant number of challenging or difficult traits, which could impact your well-being.

Final Words

Four features of a narcissistic parent:

They are self-centered to the point that it hurts to see how they treat their kids.
These parents don't feel guilty about putting their wants and needs first.
They train their kids to be slaves and serve them without question.
They are convinced that they are very special or unique.

Four of their manipulative tools:

emotional blackmail,
guilt-based control,
a base level of anger, and
constant dismissal of their child's emotions.

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√ Also Read: 7 Signs of A Narcissistic Father: The Angry-Toxic Parent

√ Please share this if you found it helpful.

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