Beyond,
So sorry you've had this..the "mask" thing that is. While I don't have any children, I can definitely relate to having to keep it on for family. I think of my family of origin, especially. I'm the first-born son (twice a failure, haha), and, as an adult, I have come around to understanding that my mother probably has NPD. It's always been all about her. I mention that last part because I think it explains why I never felt "aloud" to feel things of my own. So...haha...I learned to put on this mask.
Thanks for sharing though