Child custody situations can become contentious for a host of reasons. One possible cause is when a parent is narcissistic. This mental health conditions has several defining characteristics, including being self-centered and living in a false world that centers around them.
The nature of narcissism makes it almost impossible to have a productive child custody arrangement. The parent who is narcissistic typically can’t consider the child’s feelings or needs when they’re trying to make decisions. Instead, everything has to revolve around what that parent wants or needs.
Finding ways to make custody less stressful when you’re dealing with a narcissistic ex can be challenging. There are several things to try that may make it a little easier.
Keep the focus on the children
A narcissist gains power from being in control and from evoking emotions in others. You can combat this by keeping your focus on the children and not letting your ex see any reactions as you work through situations.
Keep proof of everything
Narcissists are known for twisting reality to meet their own needs and wishes. Keeping proof of conversations, payments and anything else related to child custody is beneficial so you present the proof if necessary.
In many child custody and divorce cases, narcissists will attempt to drag the situations on longer than necessary because they want to negatively affect the other party’s finances and wear them down. Working with someone familiar with this type of case is beneficial because they may have tips for handling the narcissist’s tactics.