Nursery World - A Unique Child: Narcissism

The label ‘narcissist’ is now part of everyday language, but what does it really mean, and how does it relate to children? Psychologist Dr Nicola Davies explains

Simply, narcissism is excessive self-love, self-admiration, selfishness, and arrogance. Everything is about ‘me’ and my wants and needs; the world revolves around me.

This sounds like most children, doesn’t it? After all, it isn’t until about the age of four that children start to truly understand the needs of others. So, narcissism is actually part of child development and not something to worry about. At the same time, it is important not to ignore the traits of self-entitlement, a lack of empathy, or an exaggerated sense of being special and unique. These traits, while normal in children, can develop into adult narcissism if left to their own devices.

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