logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
9m 43s

Narcissistic Mothers and the Scapegoat G...

Lisa A. Romano
About this episode

Narcissistic Mothers and the Scapegoat-Golden Child Trap

 In this episode of the Breakdown to Breakthrough Podcast, we delve into the toxic dynamics often found in families with narcissistic mothers, focusing on the devastating roles of the scapegoat and the golden child. Lisa A. Romano, a leading expert in codependency and narcissistic abuse recovery, breaks down how these roles are created, maintained, and manipulated by narcissistic mothers to uphold their fragile egos and maintain control over the family narrative.

Listeners will gain insight into how a narcissistic mother's need for validation and superiority often results in one child being idolized as the golden child while another is targeted as the scapegoat. This divisive dynamic not only pits siblings against each other but also inflicts deep emotional wounds that can take a lifetime to heal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding the Roles: Learn about the characteristics of the scapegoat and golden child roles, and how these roles serve a narcissistic mother's need for control.
  • The Impact on Siblings: Explore the long-term psychological effects of being cast as the scapegoat or golden child, including issues with self-esteem, relationships, and identity.
  • Breaking Free: Lisa offers strategies for recognizing these toxic dynamics and steps for healing and reclaiming your sense of self, whether you were the scapegoat, the golden child, or an outsider looking in.
  • Rebuilding Relationships: Discover how to navigate the complicated relationships between siblings who have been pitted against each other and how to set healthy boundaries with a narcissistic mother.

Quote from the Episode: "You didn't ask to be the scapegoat, and you didn't ask to be the golden child. These roles were thrust upon you by a mother who needed to control the narrative of her life at your expense. Understanding this is the first step toward reclaiming your power.

Embark on the path to conscious awakening, emotional healing, and transformation with Lisa's Conscious Healing Academy, which includes a 3 tier coaching system that assists with one's awakening, emotional intelligence, and mental and emotional mastery. 

12 Week Breakthrough Program (Level One - The Awakening)

8 Week Master Your Reality (Level 2 -- Deliberate Creating)

Soul School - (Level Three -- Ascending Ego)


To learn more, contact Lisa and her team members here;

Contact

Website

Spotify

Award Winning Books 

Facebook Support Group

 

Up next
Nov 17
Breaking Through the Illusion of Self: Why You're Not Who You Think You Are
<p data-start="289" data-end="420">What if everything you believe about who you are — your name, your past, your emotions, even your thoughts — is not actually <em data-start="414" data-end= "419">you</em>?</p> <p data-start="422" data-end="799">In this powerful episode, Lisa A. ... Show More
23m 34s
Nov 10
The Hardest Part of Healing: Saying No to Toxic People
Saying NO is the turning point in recovery from codependency, narcissistic abuse, and childhood trauma. But for adult children of alcoholics and trauma survivors, it can feel terrifying—like you're choosing rejection or abandonment. In this episode, we'll explore why the first bo ... Show More
24m 6s
Nov 3
Breaking Free from Shame, Codependency and Toxic Family Systems
Breaking Free from Shame, Codependency, and Toxic Family Systems Growing up in a toxic family system wires you to live in shame and codependency—and often leads you to attract narcissists or relationships that repeat the cycle. In this episode, Lisa A. Romano explains how childho ... Show More
20m 36s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Toxic Relationships : 7 Shocking Truths About Why Narcissists Can't Love Their Kids💔
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2063689/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p><b>&quot;Can Narcissistic Parents Truly Love Their Kids? The Truth Behind the Mask&quot;</b></p><p>Are narcissistic parents capable of genuine love, or is their ... Show More
16m 58s
Jun 2024
Ep 83 Caroline Strawson | Narcissism, Trauma-Bonding & Neuro-Divergence | The Self Development Podcast
SummaryIn this episode, self-development coach Johnny Lawrence interviews narcissism expert Caroline Strawson. They discuss the overuse and misinterpretation of the term 'narcissist' in society, the impact of narcissistic abuse as a form of domestic abuse, and the importance of u ... Show More
1h 13m
Mar 2025
193. The Good Daughter Syndrome: Help for Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers with Katherine Fabrizio M.A., L.C.M.H.C.
Do you constantly seek your mother’s approval at the expense of your own happiness? Do you struggle with boundaries or feel emotionally trapped in your relationship with her? In this episode, I sit down with Catherine Fabrizio, psychotherapist and author of The Good Daughter Synd ... Show More
49m 32s
Jul 2025
Dr. K Unpacks Narcissistic Parenting
In this episode, Dr. K dives into the complex world of narcissistic parenting. What it is, how it shapes family dynamics, and what you can do if you've been affected. Through clinical insight and real-world examples, he breaks down the patterns, emotional impact, and healing stra ... Show More
1h 41m
May 2025
Healing After Narcissistic Abuse: How to Rise and Rebuild Yourself w/ Azadeh, Counselor & 3x Best Selling Author EP707
**Trigger Warning:** This episode contains real stories and graphic descriptions of narcissistic abuse and domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in danger, please seek support: U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Inte ... Show More
1h 32m
Jan 2025
Molly, The Abusive Mother, & The Minimizing Narcissist | Narcissistic Abuse
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Molly shares her journey of narcissistic abuse spanning three generations, involving her mother, ex-husband, and daughters. It's a story of intergenerational trauma, re-enactments, emotionally immature parents, people pleasing, financial ... Show More
1h 37m
Oct 14
Why Narcissists Can’t Handle Authentic People | Childhood Trauma Explained | Kenny Weiss
What really happens when a narcissist encounters an authentic person?In this video, Kenny Weiss breaks down the psychology behind narcissistic behaviour, authenticity, and how unresolved childhood trauma shapes both.Learn how to:* Recognize the signs of codependence and false emp ... Show More
19m 57s
Sep 8
How to Outsmart a Narcissist in Court: Family Law Secrets from Michele Locke
<p><b>Going through a custody battle or divorce with a narcissist? The you know the legal system can feel stacked against you.</b></p><p>This week, former family law judge and attorney Michele Locke reveals <em>exactly</em> how narcissists twist the truth, exploit legal loopholes ... Show More
27m 43s
Feb 2025
Ep 326: Breaking Generational Parenting Cycles
Melanie Shankle, author of Here Be Dragons, joins us to share insights from her complex mother-daughter relationship and discuss how parents can break generational cycles, empower their teens, and handle high school drama with grace.Full Show Notes Parenting teenagers often means ... Show More
25m 49s
Feb 2025
EP 0092 - Ending Codependency
- Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://joeryan.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/joeryan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Coaching: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://joeryan.com/coaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Subscribe To All Episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://joeryan.com/subscribe/⁠⁠It’s Not You - It’s Your Codependency Years ago, I was tra ... Show More
16m 55s