Life with a narcissist partner is a nightmare. You’re sucked into a world that revolves around them and where nothing makes them happy. If you have children with them, you may quickly notice that they can’t put the children first. This can make it impossible to deal with if you go through a divorce.
Trying to parent with a narcissist after a divorce can be challenging. They’ll often continue to put themselves first, even if it means that they’re hurting the children. If you’re in this position, consider these tips.
Keep all conversations focused on the children
Because narcissists thrive on emotional reactions, try to avoid discussing anything outside of the children, especially if it’s something that may upset you. Conversations should be as concise as possible. In some cases, voice conversations can be contentious. It may be best to use written communication, such as texts or a parenting app, since you can control the emotions you relay, and everything is documented.
Document everything as comprehensively as possible
Narcissists will often try to twist the truth to meet their own needs. You should keep proof of everything, including receipts and conversations. This proof may become critical if you end up in a court battle with your ex.
Setting up the parenting plan to reflect the needs of the children can provide some measure of normalcy for the children. It’s likely that narcissist won’t abide by it, but having it in place may be helpful if you need to go to court. Working with someone familiar with custody with a narcissist may benefit you and help to reduce your stress.