Does your teenager often seem entitled and demanding?
Do they crave attention and praise but show little care or empathy for others?
If you’ve ever asked yourself whether your teen might be a narcissist, you’re not alone. Many parents find it challenging to distinguish between what’s normal and what isn’t.
After all, the teenage years are a time of significant change, and it’s natural for teens to become more self-focused as they figure out who they are.
While true narcissistic personality disorder in teens requires a professional diagnosis, recognizing concerning patterns early can help parents provide the right support.
In general, a narcissistic teenager often shows a clear pattern of arrogance, lack of empathy, and an excessive need for admiration. They might seem bold and confident, but this often hides insecurity or discipline problems.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the key traits of a narcissistic teenager. This will help you understand what can be normal and what might be cause for concern. We’ll also explore the steps you can take if you notice these signs in your teen.
(If your teen also lacks motivation, make sure to download the free e-book below.)
FREE E-BOOK:
The e-book has already been downloaded by many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!
Key characteristics of a narcissistic teenager
It can be worrying or confusing when your teen shows behaviors that seem self-centered or dismissive of others. We can’t expect our teens to be perfect, but it’s important for us to tell the difference between normal “teenage attitude” and narcissism.
Here are some common traits of narcissism in teens to watch for:
Inflated sense of self-importance
Narcissistic teenagers often brag about their talents, appearance, or achievements. They may exaggerate or lie about their achievements to get praise.
They also tend to believe they are superior to their peers. As a result, they might dismiss or look down on other people’s needs and opinions.
Of course, this doesn’t mean your teen can’t show self-confidence or pride in their achievements. It’s healthy for them to build a positive self-image. But at the same time, they should also be able to show kindness and respect toward those around them.
Lack of empathy
One of the hallmark signs of narcissism in teenagers is a lack of concern for others.
Narcissistic teens often downplay or dismiss the feelings, needs, or opinions of the people around them.
They might brush off a friend’s struggles or show little compassion for someone in need. For example, they might laugh when a classmate trips and drops their books, or roll their eyes when you mention wanting to donate money to a charity.
They may also disregard the emotions of others and overlook the impact of their words or actions on other people.
This doesn’t mean your teen is expected to put the needs of others above their own all the time. However, they need to be able to show support and concern for other people.
Sense of entitlement
Teens with narcissism believe they deserve special privileges without putting in any effort to earn them.
They often expect things to go their way and for others to comply to keep them happy. When their expectations aren’t met, they can react with frustration and anger, or even throw tantrums.
Additionally, entitled teens might resist rules and boundaries at home or school. They might want the newest phone even though their old one still works, or demand designer clothes while refusing to do anything to earn them.
Constant need for attention and admiration
Most teenagers enjoy receiving recognition. In fact, it’s healthy for them to receive support and encouragement when they achieve something or try new things.
However, narcissistic teens constantly crave this. They thrive on likes and comments on social media and may become restless, upset, or even act out when they’re not in the spotlight.
All teens need validation from the important people in their lives. But if your teen always goes out of their way to draw attention to themselves, it’s a warning sign.
Manipulative behavior
Teenagers with narcissistic traits often use manipulation to get what they want. This can take many forms, such as guilt-tripping, lying, or twisting the truth to suit their case.
They might say things like, “If you really loved me, you’d let me go to that party,” or “Everyone else’s parents let them stay out until midnight.”
They may exaggerate stories to get sympathy. They may also avoid owning up to mistakes, often blaming others for their own actions. They might even convince other people that it’s actually their fault.
Arrogance
Narcissistic teenagers may sometimes come across as arrogant, condescending, or dismissive toward others.
As a result, they tend to belittle others or downplay their accomplishments. Oftentimes, this behavior creates tension in friendships and family relationships.
This arrogance can also make them envious of others, while believing that everyone else is jealous of them.
Difficulty handling criticism
Criticism can sting, even for adults. So it’s natural for teens to feel disappointed or upset when they receive negative feedback.
But for narcissistic teenagers, any form of correction can feel almost unbearable.
In these moments, they may respond with anger, defensiveness, or withdrawal. This often manifests as lashing out, blaming others, or shutting down completely rather than taking time to process the feedback.
These behaviors can be frustrating, but they often stem from your teen feeling ashamed or inadequate.
Preoccupation with fantasies
Some narcissistic teens tend to spend a lot of time imagining their success, fame, and influence. They might practice an Oscar speech without ever taking a drama class, or think about their dream mansion while failing their classes.
Teens can and should have ambitions and goals, and some form of daydreaming is also normal.
However, a constant preoccupation with unrealistic fantasies might point to narcissism. These teens might also expect others to support or fulfill these fantasies for them.
Narcissistic behaviors in teenage boys vs. teenage girls
Narcissistic behaviors can show up differently in teenage boys and girls. While the core traits are similar, the way they’re expressed often depends on social roles and personal insecurities.
Understanding these differences can help you spot patterns of narcissistic behavior more accurately.
Teenage boys
Narcissism in teenage boys often shows up in bold and noticeable ways. They might come across as arrogant, entitled, or demanding. Sometimes, they may also use aggression, anger, or hostility to cover up their insecurities.
These traits can manifest in various situations. Examples include bullying others to feel superior, like mocking a younger kid’s basketball skills or spreading rumors about someone who got a better test score.
You might also catch them rebelling against authority figures who try to correct them. They may also exaggerate their strengths or achievements to impress others or maintain a sense of control.
These behaviors can be challenging to deal with. But it’s essential to remember that many of these issues stem from deep-seated insecurity or a lack of proper guidance.
Teenage girls
For teenage girls, narcissism can often show up in more subtle ways. The signs of narcissism in teenage girls include focusing on validation and competing with peers rather than showing obvious aggression.
To maintain their social status, some teen girls may resort to manipulation or exploitation. This can show up as excluding others, playing the victim, or gossiping about friends.
Some examples include uninviting a friend from a sleepover, saying “everyone hates me” when corrected, or posting private texts in a group chat.
For many, appearance and the pursuit of perfection become top priorities.
These behaviors can be confusing and hurtful for those around them. But it’s important to recognize that they can stem from low self-esteem and a fear of not being good enough.
Is it really that bad? Understanding the risks
It’s natural for teenagers to want more independence and to feel more confident at this stage of life. As they begin shaping their identity, it’s also normal for them to become more self-focused. But they should still be able to show care, empathy, and love toward the people around them.
When teens become overly focused on themselves with little regard for others, it may be a sign of narcissism. If your teen is often dishonest or manipulative, this may not be typical teen behavior.
In these cases, it’s important to look deeper at what may be driving their actions.
In the short term, narcissism in your teen can create ongoing conflict and put a strain on family and peer relationships. These behaviors often push others away. As a result, your teen may feel isolated, frustrated, or misunderstood.
In the long term, the risks are even more concerning. If these patterns persist into adulthood, your teenager may struggle to form strong relationships. Due to their lack of concern for those around them, they may even put themselves or others in unhealthy situations. These harms may be emotional, financial, or even physical.
What parents can do about a narcissistic teenager
Parenting teens isn’t easy. We all want our teens to grow into adults who can love and care for others in a genuine way.
As parents, we play a key role in helping them cultivate important values like kindness and compassion. These will form the foundation for healthy relationships throughout their lives.
If your teen is displaying narcissistic traits, it’s important to address the issue sooner rather than later. It won’t always be easy, and you may face resistance or defiance along the way.
Whether you’re learning how to deal with a narcissistic teenage son or daughter, these strategies can increase your chances of success and guide your teen toward healthier behaviors.
Stay calm and don’t take it personally
When your teen hurts or manipulates you, pause for a moment. Don’t assume they’re being mean on purpose. Look deeper.
Their behavior may be driven by insecurity, anxiety, stress, or even a lack of clear guidance and boundaries.
Try to remain calm and avoid responding emotionally. It is definitely easier said than done, but taking their words or actions too personally can cause the conflict to escalate and make it harder for them to respect and listen to you.
Set clear boundaries
Teens are still at a stage in life where they need guidance. That’s why it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries and enforce consequences when they’re crossed.
Some examples of helpful boundaries at home include:
- No yelling, name-calling, or putting others down
- Completing chores or helping out before enjoying privileges
- Setting limits on daily screen time
- Sticking to agreed curfews when going out and promptly informing you if plans change
It’s also crucial to connect consequences to the boundary that was broken.
For example, if your teen ignores their curfew, they might lose the privilege of going out the following weekend. This not only reinforces the rule but also helps your teen understand the importance of accountability.
Your teen might try to reject or push back against these rules you’ve set. But as long as you reinforce them calmly and have conversations with your teen about them, your teen will usually accept them if they’re reasonable boundaries.
Model empathy
Narcissistic teens often live in a world of their own. But it’s never too late to help them pop that bubble and start thinking about others.
Start by showing empathy through your own actions and conversations. For example, if a family friend is sick, involve your teen in putting together a “get well soon” kit.
If your community is hosting a volunteer event, consider attending it together. And when your teen comes to you with problems, listen attentively, validate their feelings, and don’t interrupt them.
When your teen sees you practicing empathy in everyday life, they’re more likely to mirror those behaviors.
Encourage self-awareness
Narcissists have trouble acknowledging the impact of their actions. They may deny responsibility, blame others, or ignore the consequences of their behavior.
Helping your teen build self-awareness is the key to breaking this pattern. The goal isn’t to shame them, but to guide them toward recognizing how their words and actions can have a profound influence on those around them.
Here are a few ways parents can encourage self-awareness in their teens:
- Ask reflective questions like, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”
- Encourage journaling to help them process their emotions and behaviors
- Brainstorm alternative ways they could have responded in certain situations
- When you notice hurtful behavior from others, point out that specific behavior and its consequences
- Praise your teens in moments when they show accountability or empathy for their family or friends
Building self-awareness takes time, but consistent guidance can help your teen start making connections between their behavior and its impact on others.
Limit social media pressure
It’s easy for teens to tie their self-worth to likes, followers, and online validation.
Constantly comparing themselves to peers can create unhealthy competition and damage their self-esteem. To cover up these insecurities, some teens may turn to narcissistic behaviors, like putting others down out of jealousy.
As a parent, you can guide your teen toward healthier social media habits. Try setting limits on screen time and encouraging offline hobbies, such as sports, arts, or crafts. You can also create screen-free times and zones, like during family meals, to promote bonding and better communication at home.
Seek professional help
If you’ve been trying different strategies to help your teen without much success, it’s time to seek professional help. This is especially important if their behavior causes serious issues at home, at school, or in their social relationships.
Treatment for teen narcissistic personality disorder through psychologists, therapists, or coaches can help your teen:
- Develop healthy coping strategies to manage anger, stress, and envy
- Build empathy and emotional awareness
- Strengthen communication and conflict-resolution skills
- Reflect on the impact of their words and actions
- Learn values like respect, accountability, and compassion
Working with a professional allows your teens to share their concerns and work on themselves in a safe and non-judgmental space.
That said, professional support isn’t only for teens. Parents can also benefit from it.
Guidance from a family counselor, therapist, or coach can help you:
- Reflect on parenting styles and how they may influence your teen’s behavior
- Improve communication with your teens and reduce conflicts at home
- Learn strategies to manage frustration, disappointment, and burnout
- Strengthen trust, connection, and emotional bonds with your teen
- Create a safe, respectful, and empathetic home environment
- Set firm boundaries and follow through with implementing them
- Prioritize self-care in practical ways, so you can better support your teen
With the right support, change is absolutely possible for both you and your teen.
When to seek professional help
While some self-centered behavior is common in adolescence, certain red flags suggest your teen may need extra support, such as:
- Persistent difficulty forming or maintaining friendships
- Strained family relationships due to constant conflicts
- Frequent aggressive outbursts and temper tantrums
- Consistent dishonesty, manipulation, or “playing the victim”
- Lack of empathy or concern for others, even in serious situations
- Obsession with appearance, popularity, or social status at the expense of other priorities
- Inability to take responsibility for mistakes and a tendency to blame others
- Declining academic performance
- Behavioral issues at school
Remember, displaying narcissistic traits doesn’t mean your teen is doomed to become a narcissistic adult. With the right guidance and support, teenagers can develop healthy values.
Conclusion
Narcissistic teenagers typically don’t act out of spite or malice.
More often, their self-centeredness and arrogance are cries for guidance, security, or attention. That’s why it’s important for parents to respond not with panic or guilt, but with calmness and understanding.
Striking the balance between firmness and compassion isn’t always easy, but it is possible. With your help, your teen can rebuild their confidence and form meaningful relationships with those around them.
If you believe your teen could benefit from additional support, I’d be happy to help. Through this 1:1 coaching program, I work with teens to develop empathy, motivation, resilience, and life skills.
(If you haven’t already done so, download your free e-book below.)
FREE E-BOOK:
The e-book has already been downloaded by many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!
Do you instinctively reach for your phone the moment boredom strikes?
Harsh punishments can backfire by making teens more secretive and less likely to open up.
As a parent of a teenager, you’ve probably experienced moments of doubt.
If you feel like you’re failing as a parent, it’s often because you’ve set high or even unrealistic expectations for yourself.
Today, fathers are caught between traditional expectations and new responsibilities.
Perfection is a myth, and chasing it will only lead to burnout.
Parenting teens doesn’t come with a manual, which means mistakes are bound to happen.
Looking for the best jobs for teenagers with no experience required?
Babysitting is one of the most common jobs for teens. It involves looking after children while their parents are out.
If you excel in a particular subject, such as math, science, or English, you can help younger students who need extra support.
Working at a movie theater can be fast-paced, especially during peak hours.
If you’re an older teen with access to a bicycle or scooter, working as a delivery person can be a great way to earn money while staying active.
Helicopter parenting is like keeping the training wheels on your teen’s bike for too long.
If you’ve been helicopter parenting for most of your teen’s life, it can be difficult for both parties to shift toward a more balanced approach.
Helicopter parents act out of love, but their actions are also driven by their own fears and worries.