Parental alienation occurs when one parent takes steps to isolate the child through words and actions meant to damage or destroy the child‘s relationship with the other parent. These steps are often deliberate and malicious on the part of the alienating parent.
Alienation often happens when parents are ending their relationship and can be committed by one or both parents. Some examples of alienating behaviors are: making negative comments to the child about the other parent or allowing others to make negative comments about the other parent; involving the child in the divorce or custody proceedings; undermining the other parent’s authority by allowing the child to disregard the other parent’s rules or beliefs; allowing the child to believe that they have the ability to make decisions that are not theirs to make; for example, whether or not they wish to spend time with the other parent; telling the child to call a new significant other “Mom” or “Dad” or telling the child the new significant other loves them more that their real Mom or Dad; when one parent makes false allegations of domestic violence or alleges child abuse against the other parent in order to prevent timesharing.
If you become aware that the other parent is engaging in alienating behaviors, you need to be proactive and get the court involved as early as possible. Documenting the actions of the other parent is important to show the court a pattern of behavior. It is also important that you do not engage in the same behavior out of anger or spite. Parental alienation has both short and long term effects on children and if action is not taken to prevent or stop the behaviors of the alienating parent, the child may suffer the ill effects throughout their lives. Call us today to discuss your situation if you find yourself experiencing the pain of parental alienation.