Co-parenting with a narcissist in South Carolina can be a challenge, to say the least. If you are not prepared for it, you may find yourself struggling to make ends meet.
Reasons why co-parenting with a narcissist is difficult
A narcissist is someone that is excessively self-involved and has an inflated sense of self. They believe they are better than others and often think that they deserve special treatment. Narcissists often try to control those around them and can be very manipulative.
Therefore, co-parenting with them is usually challenging because they may not be willing to compromise or see things from your perspective. For example, if you work full-time and your ex is a stay-at-home parent, they may feel like they deserve full child custody because they are the ones that are home with them all day. They may also try to use the children as pawns in their games to get what they want. Narcissists can also be very unpredictable, which can make it difficult to make plans or stick to schedules.
Tips for co-parenting with a narcissist
If you find yourself in the situation of co-parenting with a narcissist, the first thing you ought to do is to be as organized as possible. This means having a parenting plan outlining every single aspect of custody arrangements and visitation schedules. It’s best to have this plan in writing and notarized by the court to have them legally obliged to adhere to your agreed-upon terms.
It’s also important to set boundaries with the narcissist. You can do this by being clear about what you are willing or unwilling to do without falling to their manipulative tricks. For example, if they want you to pick up the kids from school every day but you work full-time, you need to explain that this isn’t possible. Be firm in your stance but also polite and understanding.
Finally, when making your plans, use the best interest of your children as a guide. Your children may still be unable to comprehend the narcissistic traits of the other parent; to them, they just need both of their parents to be present in their lives.
Co-parenting with a narcissist can be challenging, but it is possible to make it work. However manipulative and self-entitled they may be, they will always follow the law and respect your rights, lest they risk losing custody of their children.