Parental alienation refers to a situation in which one parent, either intentionally or unintentionally, manipulates or influences a child to turn against the other parent. It typically occurs within the context of high-conflict custody or divorce cases. Parental alienation involves psychological manipulation, and it can negatively impact the child's relationship with the targeted parent.
Signs and behaviors associated with parental alienation may include:
Negative or derogatory comments about the targeted parent made by the alienating parent in the presence of the child.
Limiting or denying contact between the child and the targeted parent, often without valid reasons or based on false allegations.
Undermining or belittling the targeted parent's role in the child's life.
Encouraging the child to take sides or align with the alienating parent against the targeted parent.
Interfering with communication or visitation arrangements between the child and the targeted parent.
Creating a hostile or emotionally harmful environment for the child when they express positive feelings or desires to spend time with the targeted parent.
Parental alienation can have significant negative effects on the child's emotional well-being and the parent-child relationship. It is important to address parental alienation through legal channels and, if necessary, involve professionals such as mediators, therapists, or child custody evaluators to help mitigate its impact and protect the child's best interests. Laws and interventions related to parental alienation may vary in different jurisdictions.