One of the things that many parents worry about is being alienated from their children. During a divorce, it’s easy for conflicts to get out of hand and for children to get caught in the middle.
Sometimes, one parent will take steps to start influencing their children. They may offer them specific benefits if they come to live with them or if they refuse to see the other parent. These horrible actions lead to something known as parental alienation, which can have a negative impact on your relationship with your children.
What is parental alienation syndrome?
Parental alienation syndrome is a term that describes when children do not want to see one parent because of the unfair influence of the other. For example, if a father promises that a child can have a new puppy at their house if they refuse to visit their mom, then the child may do so to get the reward. If the father starts saying that their mom was always abusive or that they don’t want them to be in danger, the child could start to feel fearful and begin to reject the other parent.
Parental alienation is just another way that one parent will try to maintain control. It can be used as a way to hurt the other parent and to show that the alienating parent has the power in their relationship, even though it has ended through divorce.
Parents who choose to alienate their children from the other parent are committing abuse. They are causing their children distress for no good reason, and they are hindering their relationship with the other parent despite having no reason to do so.
Psychologists and psychiatrists often believe that those who alienate children are manipulating them due to narcissistic or borderline tendencies. The goal may be to use their children to “destroy” the other parent.
What should you do if you believe your children are being manipulated?
Making an accusation of parental alienation is serious, so if you’re going to do so, it’s a good idea to collect detailed evidence and to document the changes in your children’s behavior thoroughly. Your attorney can help you prepare your argument and take the case to court.