What are Signs of Parental Alienation?
Divorce is growing worldwide. However, this affects the couple, the children, and their families.
With a divorce, the couple has more questions about the child’s future. On the other side, the case could turn worse if the child is facing parental alienation.
So, what are the signs of parental alienation?
In this article, you will learn about the signs of parental alienation. Let’s figure it out!
What is Parental Alienation?
When one parent disgraces the other while both have child custody, it is called Parental alienation.
For example, a father tells a child their mother doesn’t want to see or love them. Another common example is a mother telling their child that their father is busy with the new family.
Additionally, the blaming may start mild but eventually become very serious. No matter how close the alienated parent and child are, the child will begin getting distorted perceptions.
When a child continuously hears bad about the alienated parent, they will start believing that even if the statements aren’t true.
For instance, a child hearing their father doesn’t want to see them regularly. At one time, they will avoid talking to the father.
An alienator is a bad-mouthing parent. On the other hand, an alienated parent is a parent who’s being criticized.
Types of Parental Alienation
There are treatments for parental alienation based on the type. However, there are different levels of parental alienation.
- Mild
The mild stage is when a child avoids visiting the alienated parent. However, they have a great time while they are alone.
- Moderate
The moderate stage is when a child strongly disagrees with visiting the alienated parent. However, the child behaves the same when left alone with the parent.
- Severe
In the severe stage, the child doesn’t agree to meet the alienated parent. However, they tend to hide or run away to resist the meet.
8 Signs of Parental Alienation
The signs of parental alienation also vary depending on the type. However, there are 8 common signs of parental alienation, which are:
- Defame a parent
- Weak justifications
- Less ambivalence
- The phenomenon of “independent thinker.”
- No guilt
- No support
- Borrowed scenarios and phrases
- Extended family rejections
Let’s check them out!
Defame a parent
In this phase, the child will have to change feelings for the alienated parent overnight. Even though the child loves the parent, they will quickly slander the alienated parent.
Weak justifications
In most cases, children who avoid their parents can’t justify their reasons in front of the alienated parent.
However, while they provide their justifications, they are untrue or don’t properly justify the situation.
Additionally, some provide very weak justifications—e.g., the alienated parent’s looks or the way they prepare the food.
Less ambivalence
While a child is going through parental alienation, they wouldn’t find any good qualities of the alienated parent.
In such cases, the child thinks the alienator can never do anything wrong. However, the child’s feelings for the alienated parent are negative and critical.
The phenomenon of “independent thinker.”
An alienator constantly manipulates the child to fear or hate the other parent. However, the child admits that the reasons for not liking the alienated parent are their own. Additionally, the child always disagrees with any comments that the alienated parent suggests.
No guilt
Children with parental alienation behave very harshly with alienated parents. Additionally, they tend to act cold, disrespectful, and ungrateful to the alienated one.
On the other hand, they are never impressed with anything they receive from the alienated parent. Sometimes, they even feel that it’s another way to target them.
No support
Even if the alienated parent supports the child, the child will not support them. In conflicts or disagreements, the child won’t even care to listen and support the alienator. This is a clear sign that the child is partial to the parents.
Borrowed scenarios and phrases
The child will encounter situations that they don’t understand. Such cases are mostly borrowed from the alienator, scenarios and phrases.
Additionally, sometimes, you will find that the child mentions situations that don’t have proper support.
Extended family rejections
When a child is facing parental alienation, they also start hating the alienated parent’s extended family.
They might not have any issues; everyone loves the child, but the child’s feelings change over time.
Conclusion
No parent wants to lose their children. However, parental alienation is growing all over the world for parents as well as children.
Therefore, it would be best to keep patience and handle the situations calmly when you get the signs.
Additionally, it wouldn’t help you be rude to your ex-partner as they would have more chances to tell your child.
So, take the help of a lawyer if you think that you are facing parental alienation and you can’t handle everything by yourself.
FAQs
Q: What is parental alienation?
A: Parental alienation refers to a situation where one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent, often leading to emotional and psychological harm.
Q: What are common signs of parental alienation?
A: Common signs include a child showing unwarranted fear or hostility towards one parent, parroting negative statements made by the alienating parent, and a lack of guilt over mistreating the targeted parent.
Q: How does parental alienation affect children?
A: Parental alienation can lead to long-term emotional and psychological issues, including low self-esteem, trust issues, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
Q: Can parental alienation be addressed legally?
A: Yes, parental alienation can be addressed in family court, where judges may intervene to protect the child’s best interests and ensure a healthy relationship with both parents.
Q: What steps can be taken to mitigate parental alienation?
A: Steps include seeking therapy for the child and parents, maintaining open and honest communication, and involving legal professionals to mediate and resolve conflicts.
Q: Is parental alienation considered a form of abuse?
A: Yes, parental alienation is considered a form of emotional abuse as it manipulates and harms the child’s relationship with the other parent.