Co-Parenting With a Narcissist: How to Protect Your Teen

Co-parenting is hard enough when both parents are on the same team. When your co-parent is narcissistic, or turns every parenting decision into a competition, it can leave you exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and worried about your kids.

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In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kibby McMahon, CEO of KulaMind and an expert in personality disorders. We talk about why narcissistic co-parents thrive on power struggles, how to stop getting pulled into the drama, and how to protect your kids while keeping your own peace.

If you're tired of defending yourself, feeling manipulated, or wondering how to give your kids stability despite a difficult co-parent, this episode gives you practical tools and some much-needed reassurance.

If you or your kids are ever unsafe, contact local emergency services or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How to recognize narcissistic co-parenting behaviors and avoid endless power struggles
• How the Gray Rock technique helps you respond without escalating conflict
• How to set boundaries and communicate when collaboration feels impossible
• How to protect your kids from unhealthy dynamics and help them build resilience

 

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Co-parenting with a narcissist
• 01:10 Meet Dr. Kibby McMahon
• 02:50 What narcissism is
• 05:21 Why narcissistic dynamics become a competition
• 09:14 How to stop getting pulled into the fight
• 10:50 The Gray Rock technique explained
• 15:05 Using collaborative communication
• 18:17 Handling different parenting styles
• 20:56 Helping kids navigate two households
• 23:02 Making requests that work
• 25:34 Can kids develop narcissistic traits?
• 28:35 Avoiding the counter-reaction trap
• 30:42 Final advice for parents
• 32:16 Resources and closing thoughts

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Gray Rock communication technique

 

CONNECT WITH DR. KIBBY MCMAHON

• Website: KulaMind.com
• Instagram: @dr.kibby
• Podcast: A Little Help for Our Friends

 

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell 

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

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