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Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: Expert Strategies to Protect Your Children and Your Sanity

  1. Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: Expert Strategies to Protect Your Children and Your Sanity Dr. Cam 33:29

Co-parenting is challenging enough when both parents are working together. But when you’re dealing with a narcissistic co-parent—or someone who constantly turns parenting into a competition—it can leave you feeling exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and worried about your child’s well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kibby McMahon, CEO of Kula Mind and expert in personality disorders, to discuss practical strategies for navigating one of the most difficult parenting dynamics. Together, they unpack why narcissistic co-parents thrive on power struggles, how to stop getting pulled into the drama, and what you can do to protect your child while maintaining your own peace of mind. If you’re tired of defending yourself, feeling manipulated, or wondering how to create stability for your child despite a difficult co-parent, this episode offers actionable tools and much-needed reassurance.

 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

  • How to recognize narcissistic co-parenting behaviors and avoid getting trapped in endless power struggles

  • Why the Gray Rock technique can help you respond to a narcissistic co-parent without escalating conflict

  • How to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively when collaboration feels impossible

  • What parents can do to protect children from unhealthy parenting dynamics and build resilience

 

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

  • Gray Rock Communication Technique

 

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Kibby McMahon

Website: https://coolamind.com

Instagram: @dr.kibby

Podcast: A Little Help for Our Friends

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

Website: askdrcam.com

Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

TikTok: @the.teen.translator

YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

 

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Co-Parenting with a Narcissist

01:10 Meet Dr. Kibby McMahon

02:50 What Narcissism Really 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 Actually 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

 

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional Growth.

Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #coparenting #narcissisticabuse

Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, PhD, the “teen translator,” is an adolescent psychologist, family success coach, and co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve student, staff, and parent well-being.

For over two decades, she has been helping parents build strong, positive relationships with their teens through improved communication, connection, and understanding. Dr. Cam is a TEDx speaker, host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast, co-creator of the “I Am Enough” teen 12-week workshop, author of Power Phrases for Parents: Teen Edition, and co-author of Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution.

Dr. Cam is the mom of a teen too, so she not only talks the talk, she walks the walk!