This article was reviewed by Allison Broennimann, PhD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
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Being the golden child might seem like a dream come true, but it’s actually the result of a complicated and dysfunctional family dynamic. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of being the golden child, you’re not alone, and it’s completely normal to have some complicated feelings about the situation. We’ve compiled all the information you need to answer your questions about golden child syndrome, and to help you prioritize your own wellbeing. Keep reading for a detailed explanation of golden child syndrome, signs you might be the golden child, and some expert tips to overcome this dynamic.
Things You Should Know
- Golden child syndrome is a family dynamic where a parent excessively favors one child over their siblings.
- If you were the golden child in your family, you might struggle with perfectionism, self-esteem issues, or setting boundaries with your parents.
- Establish healthy boundaries, let go of expectations, and prioritize self-care to help yourself heal if you grew up as the golden child.
Steps
Community Q&A
- QuestionCan your dad have a different golden child and scapegoat than your mom?Community AnswerYes, and this does happen where each parent has a different favourite.
Video
Tips
- Don't assume you can't be a golden child because you weren't abused, your parent isn't a narcissist, or some people have had it worse. If you're struggling, that's a real experience. The golden child and scapegoat dynamic happens in many families.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/golden-child-syndrome/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism#1
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism#1
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202110/are-you-narcissistic-parents-lost-child
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/golden-child-syndrome/
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/one-golden-childs-story-o_b_10149620
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/family-life/relationships/siblings/the-golden-child-vs-the-scapegoat-when-parents-pick-favorites
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/golden-child-syndrome/
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/one-golden-childs-story-o_b_10149620
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-narcissist-parents-psychological-warfare-parentifying_b_59124c7de4b0e070cad709df
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-narcissist-parents-psychological-warfare-parentifying_b_59124c7de4b0e070cad709df
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism#1
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/golden-child-syndrome/
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/family-life/relationships/siblings/the-golden-child-vs-the-scapegoat-when-parents-pick-favorites
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/raised-by-a-narcissist-11-healing-things-to-do-for_b_58f2f864e4b015669722502e
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/raised-by-a-narcissist-11-healing-things-to-do-for_b_58f2f864e4b015669722502e
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/201602/10-signs-narcissistic-parent
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/disorders/why-narcissistic-parents-infantilize-their-adult-children#recap
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-power-of-self-compassion
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/adult-children-of-narcissists-face-trauma-induced-health_b_58bf7f83e4b0c3276fb77f21
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/finding-good-therapist
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