Feeling Alienated? Here Are The Symptoms Of Parent Alienation
Posted on: 28 June 2016
Parent alienation is when one parent tries to alienate a child against the other parent. This can happen due to a messy divorce or a custody arrangement not working out the way one particular parent wanted. It can also happen through step-parents as they try to force their way into family units.
It's important for parents to know when they are being pushed out and alienated. Here are the common symptoms if you feel like it is happening to you.
Children Struggle to Tell the Truth From Lies
This is one of the most common symptoms, and is difficult for the parent being alienated. A child may ask questions about statements made that are clearly lies. Some may even involve lies of abuse or neglect. It is not always the child being told the lies, either. Others close to the child may hear it and pass it on, making it even harder for the children to know the truth from the lies.
At the same time, the child starts to believe that the alienator parent is wise and perfect. They can start to mimic some of the phrases the alienator will say, often using language that is far too advanced for their years.
Gifts Destroyed by the Alienator
Another sign is when the gifts from the parent being alienated are being destroyed. In some cases, they will not be given at all. This can happen behind closed doors and will only come to light when a child is questioned about it.
If the gift is accepted, the child may be made to feel guilty for this. The same applies to any love shown to the child by the alienated parent. As the child feels even more guilty, they may not even take a gift or accept a show of affection.
Moving Away or Making Things Difficult
The alienator will try to make it as difficult as possible for the alienated parent to see their child as much as possible. This can mean rearranging a child's hobbies to the days the alienated parent has custody or moving to another state or even country. The aim is for the alienated parent to decide that it is too hard and to walk away.
Alienating parents does happen, and it is often due to difficult divorces. It is important to watch out for the signs and symptoms to help counteract the problem as much as possible and understand that this is not your child's fault.
If you worry that you experiencing this or similar issues during your divorce, contact legal professionals like Grenadier, Starace, Duffett & Keisler, PC for help.
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