DOES YOUR TEEN HAVE MAIN CHARACTER SYNDROME?

“Main Character Syndrome” is a term gaining attention in discussions about children’s behavior, and it’s making parents wonder: Does my child have it? This phenomenon refers to when a child believes they are the central figure in every situation, often acting as if the world revolves around them. While this self-centeredness can be a natural part of development, some experts suggest it can also reflect deeper issues. Keep reading for ways to identify if your teen has Main Character Syndrome. Girl looking in mirror. FREEPIK.COM “Main character syndrome isn’t a clinical term, but it’s a phrase that’s caught on to describe when someone acts like the star of life’s movie and everyone else is just part of the supporting cast,” Caitlin Slavens, MC, a child psychologist at MamaPsychologists told Parents.com in a recent interview. “For teens, this might mean seeing themselves as the center of attention or narrating their lives like they’re in a TikTok montage.” According to Slavens, main character syndrome is not inherently a bad thing. “But it can disconnect [teens] from reality or other people’s feelings when it becomes excessive.” Teen boy posing for social media video. FREEPIK.COM In a world shaped by social media and celebrity...