This episode continues to be one of our top-listened-to episodes.

In families marked by covert narcissism and emotional dysfunction, sibling dynamics can take on a dangerous complexity. In this episode of the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast, host Lynn peels back the layers of family favoritism, exposing how roles like the “golden child” and the “scapegoat” are not just labels—they are emotional survival mechanisms conditioned in childhood and reinforced through manipulation, projection, and trauma bonding.

Lynn explains how the golden child is often groomed to adopt the narcissistic parent’s perspective—rewarded for compliance, silence, and allegiance. Meanwhile, the scapegoat becomes a threat to the family’s fragile façade.

You’ll explore:

• What drives the golden child to reject or even attack the scapegoat, even as adults
• The psychological toll of being cast as “too much,” “too emotional,” or “too difficult” in systems that punish authenticity
• The covert agreements between narcissistic parents and their favored children, and how these contracts are often invisible yet deeply binding
• The role of jealousy, projection, and displaced rage in golden child behavior—why their disrespect often masks their own inner wounds

Lynn breaks down the emotional dynamics at play, helping listeners understand that the golden child’s behavior is not about them—it’s about survival in an emotionally unsafe system. This episode offers validation for scapegoated survivors who have long felt unseen or erased by both parents and siblings.

Whether your golden child sibling was overtly cruel or passively complicit, this episode sheds light on what lies beneath their behavior and why their alliance with the narcissistic parent can feel like betrayal. Lynn offers language, insight, and permission to grieve the sibling relationship you didn’t have—and maybe never will.

You’ll come away with:

• Greater clarity around your family’s covert dynamics
• Validation that your experiences of sibling disrespect are not imagined

🔗 Explore More:

🌐 Visit the Website:

https://movingforwardafterabuse.com

Explore free resources, articles, survivor tools, and deep-dive content to help you reclaim your power and heal from narcissistic abuse.

📚 Read the Books by Lynn:

https://movingforwardafterabuse.com/books-by-lynn/

Check out Lynn’s powerful books on narcissistic abuse recovery, manipulation tactics, and the emotional journey of healing. Perfect for survivors ready to take their next step.

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Also see Episode 89, “The Silent Brotherhood,” for deeper insight into male loyalty codes, and highlight Lynn’s book Master Manipulators—now on Audible—for a full breakdown of covert narcissistic tactics.🎧 To hear this full episode, go to waketheelephant.gumroad.com/l/hiddenloyalty

Narcissistic Abuse Recovery PodcastHosted by trauma-informed coach & author Lynn, this podcast helps survivors of narcissistic abuse uncover covert manipulation, set boundaries, and reclaim their voice. From family roles to patriarchy, we explore how personal healing intersects with cultural change.🌐 Links & resources: linktr.ee/lynnnichols☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/waketheelephant📚 Books by Lynn: Overcoming the Devastation of Narcissistic Abuse & Master Manipulators

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