Following a divorce, staying on amicable terms with your former partner is not always an option. While you may try to remain cordial for the sake of your children, if your partner does not do the same, it could result in further trauma for you and your children.
Parents who use their children as their emotional support system or seek revenge against their partners may end up alienating their former spouses from their kids.
What does parental alienation entail?
If you suspect that your former spouse may be trying to alienate you from your children, there are various signs to look for. First, be aware of your children’s opinion of you. Victims of parental alienation will have strong, negative feelings towards one parent without justification for those feelings. Equally, they will have nothing but support from their other parent. Often, the alienator will tell the children personal details about the relationship or spread lies to poison the children’s opinion or to make them feel guilty for wanting to spend time with the alienated parent.
How can you fight against parental alienation?
Parental alienation damages the relationships between parents. To fight against parental alienation, professionals may suggest limiting the time with the alienating parent and increasing it with the alienated parent. Child victims of parental alienation need time to rebuild their relationships with their parents. It is critical not to dismiss the children’s feelings about their parents.
The courts recognize parental alienation and generally do not consider acts of alienation to be within children’s best interests.