Going through a divorce can be exceedingly difficult, even under comparatively ideal circumstances. If your soon-to-be ex-spouse is trying to hurt you, he or she may play games with your children’s affection. That is, your husband or wife may attempt to turn your kids against you.
Parental alienation is a serious matter you should not ignore. In fact, according to Psychology Today, parental alienation can constitute emotional child abuse. Luckily, you can take steps to stop parental alienation before it destroys your treasured parent-child relationships.
Examples of parental alienation
One of the frustrating things about parental alienation is that it can be hard to identify. This is because a single or off-handed event usually does not rise to the level of parental alienation. If your soon-to-be ex-spouse does one or more of the following regularly, though, you probably have a problem on your hands:
- Tells your kids you are a bad, untruthful or dangerous person
- Demands your kids spy on your
- Asks your children not to listen to you or to disobey you
- Prevents you from attending ordinary parent-child activities, such as recitals or parent-teacher conferences
Your response
You certainly do not have to stand idly by while your husband or wife destroys the positive relationships you have with your children. To respond effectively, you may want to gather evidence of alienating behaviors. Voicemails, e-mails and your children’s accounts make good evidence. Asking teachers, relatives, doctors and others for evaluations may also be wise.
Because parental alienation runs counter to the best interests of any child, courts do not usually look favorably on it. Ultimately, if you have evidence of your spouse’s actions, you may be able to ask a judge to intervene.