How do parents manipulate children?

Parents sometimes manipulate their children in various ways, often without realizing the long-term impact it can have. Here are a few methods discussed by experts:

1. Parental Alienation: James Sexton, a high-conflict divorce lawyer, explains the subtle ways in which one parent can alienate a child from the other parent. This often involves non-verbal cues and micro-expressions that convey negative sentiments towards the other parent, making the child internalize these biases without explicit statements 1.

2. Using Bequests to Manipulate: Don Cox discusses how parents might use inheritance as a tool to manipulate their children’s behavior. By amassing an estate and hinting at unequal distribution based on behavior, parents can induce competition among siblings for attention and favor 2.

3. Narcissistic Parenting: Dr. Ramani highlights the damaging effects of narcissistic parents who prioritize their needs over their children's. Such parents manipulate children for their own benefit, which can cause children to develop anxiety, low self-esteem, and a need to please others at the expense of their own identities 3.

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     1

     Weaponizing Children

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     2

     Incentives and Manipulation

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     3

     The Impact of Narcissistic Parenting

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These manipulations can have profound and lasting effects on children's development and their adult relationships. Understanding these methods can help in addressing and mitigating the negative impacts.