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What are the signs of parental alienation?

On Behalf of | Jan 29, 2021 | Child Custody

Newly divorced couples in Texas have to deal with a lot of difficult situations. When kids are involved, the situation can only get harder. If you’re recently divorced or separated, you may fear that your ex is speaking negatively about you to your child.

What is parental alienation?

Parental alienation is an unfortunate situation in which one parent tries to distance a child from the other parent. This occurs through tactics such as:

  • Badmouthing
  • Brainwashing
  • Making false statements
  • Making incorrect accusations

An example of parental alienation could be a parent telling their child that the other parent doesn’t love them anymore or doesn’t want to see them. Or, a parent could tell the child that their other parent prefers their new partner or family to the child.

Why is parental alienation more common in divorce?

Child custody situations can be stressful enough, but when a marriage ends, anger can cause parents to lash out. Often, a weapon of choice is the children. Some parents want to seek revenge for a failed marriage by punishing the other parent. This usually starts by badmouthing the other parent.

What can you do if you’re dealing with parental alienation?

Parental alienation can happen on many different levels. If you’re in a situation where you child is refusing to see you, the key is to not give up. Maintaining a close relationship with your child even if you feel alienation can go a long way. You can do this by remembering birthdays and holidays and sending heartfelt letters.

Try to stay involved in your child’s life as much as possible, even if you simply attend a school function that he or she is participating in. If you suspect that parental alienation is an issue, consider consulting with an experienced attorney who may help you understand your options.