Join Erin and her guests, as they delve into what it means to be a child of a narcissistic parent. Each fortnightly episode is crammed full of honesty, humour and hope.

One thing that has become perfectly clear to me is that narcissists are great performers. And, just like performers, they need an audience. Narcissistic parents only require an audience of ONE.

These narcissistic performers or, as described in this episode, puppeteers, need a WILLING assistant (puppet). It’s natural to want to place full blame on the puppeteer because it is traditionally their hand…their actions…their script…their voice that controls the puppet.

I now understand that a narcissistic puppet show is a different act altogether. The WILLING puppet (parent) has choices and free will. No one has a hand up their back.

With that in mind, I can confirm that they are equally responsible, don’t get excuses, don’t deserve hall passes and haven’t earned forgiveness.

The puppet’s OWN HAND is in all of it.

Join Erin and her guests, as they delve into what it means to be a child of a narcissistic parent. Each fortnightly episode is crammed full of honesty, humour and hope.

My birth family has never met me.

I can hear you saying, “What do you mean? You talk about them on every episode.” Let me clarify.

My birth family have never met the REAL me.

I wasn’t playing roles, nor was I incognito. I have only ever been myself - living my truth and being authentic - but, for some inexplicable reason, they were(and are) unable to see me for who I really am.

I tried to belong. I desperately wanted to be a part of the family. I hung on for too many years, mainly due to the fear of losing my birth family. But, I have realised something that has completely changed my way of thinking.

I didn’t LOSE my family. I never HAD them.

I don’t know why my birth family sees/knows one version of me, whilst my chosen family sees/knows a very different version of me.

However, I DO know which one is the REAL me and that is all that matters.

Join Erin and her guests, as they delve into what it means to be a child of a narcissistic parent. Each fortnightly episode is crammed full of honesty, humour and hope.

Sometimes, I feel like I am sat in an eternal, never-ending waiting room on my own. I am anxiously awaiting my name to be called. I never know when it is going to happen or why. I can’t leave even though I am uncomfortable…so, I wait.

Sitting in that unique, imaginary waiting room evokes a mix of emotions…many of which are similar to our experiences of waiting in a Doctor’s Surgery.

Listen as I explore what sitting with ongoing trauma can look and feel like for children of narcissistic parents.

Dealing with narcissistic parents doesn’t come with a time line or specific treatment plan. There isn’t a pill, an ointment or a plaster big enough for the deep wounds.

It is one reason that the healing process is so unique.

The good news is that I can be sitting in the waiting room and still live a very happy, hopeful and fulfilling life. The reality is painful and unfair - for sure - but we can choose to be happy.