Sign up for the Guyana GY Weekly Newsletter Absolutely Free!
Did you receive last week's newsletter? If not, you're missing all the action. The Guyana GY Weekly Newsletter is jampacked with electrifying content related to the country of Guyana. From hot-off-the-press news to people in focus, business feature, tourism, flora and fauna, and much more. If you like Guyana, you'll love the Guyana GY weekly newsletter! Give it a try today, and if you're not absolutely fascinated, you can unsubscribe with one click. Please note: if you've signed up and you haven't received our newsletter after 7 days, check your spam/junk mail folder and if it's there, mark it as "not spam." If you haven't received it at all, sign up again and make sure you type your email correctly!
Parental envy is a complex, often taboo, and unspoken psychological phenomenon where a parent experiences jealousy or resentment toward their own child. While it is normal for parents sometimes to feel complex emotions, this form of envy often stems from the parent’s own unresolved trauma, unmet needs, or deep-seated insecurities. When unchecked, this envy can turn toxic, causing the parent to sabotage, compete with, or emotionally manipulate their child.
Root Causes:
Stemming from a “needy child” within, parents may resent that their child receives the love, care, or opportunities they never had. It often arises from unfulfilled dreams, insecurities, or a fear that the child’s independence threatens their control.
Toxic Manifestations: Unchecked envy can lead to emotional manipulation, constant criticism, gaslighting, or acting as a rival rather than a supporter.
Parents might envy their child’s youth, beauty, success, or freedom. Children of envious parents may feel guilt for their own success, struggle with low self-esteem, or feel forced to underachieve to avoid provoking parental anger.
Editor’s Note: Parental envy sadly is real. A parent’s duty is to love, care for, and protect a child, trying their best to afford their children a better live than they had. Sadly, not all parents understand or care to understand the role of a parent. If you are a victim of parental envy, remember that it’s not your fault and you haven’t done anything wrong. Strive to do better for your children and trust God for guidance and protection in your situation.
Dr. Telford Layne is a prominent Guyanese psychologist, family man, and author.
Patrick Carpen, the English Linguist, hails from Guyana, South America and is the author of several well received titles. He is also a web developer, publisher, marketer and businessman (among other things) and has taught English both locally and internationally. To learn more about the works of Patrick Carpen, visit his website: patrickcarpen.com
Related Story
2 Comments
Oldest
NewestMost Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Elizabeth Granville
February 27, 2026 8:16 pm
Thanks for speaking on this. This can apply also to other family members ie siblings, aunts, cousins can exude this trait leading to toxic behavior amongst the scapegoat/ leading to gaslighting behaviors.
Neza
February 28, 2026 5:36 pm
You have discussed cause and effect. How about treatment plan?
Thanks for speaking on this. This can apply also to other family members ie siblings, aunts, cousins can exude this trait leading to toxic behavior amongst the scapegoat/ leading to gaslighting behaviors.
You have discussed cause and effect. How about treatment plan?