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Learn how to spot and handle this complicated family dynamic
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Being the golden child might seem like a dream come true, but it’s actually the result of a complicated and dysfunctional family dynamic. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of being the golden child, you’re not alone, and it’s completely normal to have some complicated feelings about the situation. We’ve compiled all the information you need to answer your questions about golden child syndrome, and to help you prioritize your own wellbeing. Keep reading for a detailed explanation of golden child syndrome, signs you might be the golden child, and some expert tips to overcome this dynamic.
Things You Should Know
- Golden child syndrome is a family dynamic where a parent excessively favors one child over their siblings.
- If you were the golden child in your family, you might struggle with perfectionism, self-esteem issues, or setting boundaries with your parents.
- Establish healthy boundaries, let go of expectations, and prioritize self-care to help yourself heal if you grew up as the golden child.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan your dad have a different golden child and scapegoat than your mom?Community AnswerYes, and this does happen where each parent has a different favourite.
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QuestionI think I might be a "lost child". Any advice?StoneBlazeCommunity AnswerTry speaking to the golden child (or the scapegoat if there is one in your family). You and the scapegoat can confront your parents about how the way they treat you makes you feel. The golden child can tell your parents to give you some attention, too.
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Tips
- Don't assume you can't be a golden child because you weren't abused, your parent isn't a narcissist, or some people have had it worse. If you're struggling, that's a real experience. The golden child and scapegoat dynamic happens in many families.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/golden-child-syndrome/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism#1
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism#1
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202110/are-you-narcissistic-parents-lost-child
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/golden-child-syndrome/
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/one-golden-childs-story-o_b_10149620
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/family-life/relationships/siblings/the-golden-child-vs-the-scapegoat-when-parents-pick-favorites
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/golden-child-syndrome/
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/one-golden-childs-story-o_b_10149620
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-narcissist-parents-psychological-warfare-parentifying_b_59124c7de4b0e070cad709df
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-narcissist-parents-psychological-warfare-parentifying_b_59124c7de4b0e070cad709df
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism#1
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/golden-child-syndrome/
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/family-life/relationships/siblings/the-golden-child-vs-the-scapegoat-when-parents-pick-favorites
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/raised-by-a-narcissist-11-healing-things-to-do-for_b_58f2f864e4b015669722502e
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/raised-by-a-narcissist-11-healing-things-to-do-for_b_58f2f864e4b015669722502e
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/201602/10-signs-narcissistic-parent
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/disorders/why-narcissistic-parents-infantilize-their-adult-children#recap
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-power-of-self-compassion
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/adult-children-of-narcissists-face-trauma-induced-health_b_58bf7f83e4b0c3276fb77f21
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/finding-good-therapist
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