When parents do not take divorce well, they may take it out on your child. They could do this intentionally, but more often than not, a parent does not realize they are guilty of this.
Such is often the case with parental alienation. What is it? Why does it happen? And is there anything you can do about it?
Why does parental alienation happen?
The Psychiatric Times discusses the phenomenon known as parental alienation. This happens when your co-parent decides to ruin the relationship between you and your child. They may have several reasons for doing this. In some cases, they attempt to use these reasons to justify their behavior. For example, they may genuinely feel like you are a danger or a threat. They could think that distancing your child from you will do them good.
But in many cases, it boils down to spite and personal grievances. Your co-parent is not setting out to harm your child on purpose. But your child becomes collateral damage in the process, and this is not enough to force the alienating parent to stop.
How can you fight back?
If you catch signs of parental alienation early enough, it is possible to reverse the damage done. You can fight for your parental rights in court. Many courts classify parental alienation as a form of child psychological abuse. In extreme cases, alienated parents sometimes win custody, but this is rare. Most cases just see a judge requesting the alienating parent to halt their damaging behavior.
If you wish to pursue this matter, consider contacting legal experts as you move forward.
