The judicial system recognizes that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy meaningful relationships with both parents, free from neglect, abuse, or other significant challenges. As such, the courts generally support active co-parenting, encouraging both parents to remain involved in their child’s upbringing despite a divorce. However, custody cases can often be difficult and emotionally charged for all parties involved, and children are sometimes unintentionally affected by the tensions. Parents may adopt destructive behaviors as they attempt to secure custody, and occasionally, these actions can have a significant impact on the child.

In some instances, one parent might manipulate the child into seeing the other parent negatively, creating an unnecessary rift. This behavior is known as parental alienation. “It’s common for parents to overlook the early signs of parental alienation, often until it becomes more difficult to address,” says attorney Allen Russell of Atlanta Divorce Law Group. This article aims to help you recognize early warning signs if you suspect that your ex-partner might be influencing your child’s perceptions in a negative way.

Red Flags of Parental Alienation

The following are some common indicators of parental alienation:

• Resistance: Your child may suddenly become reluctant to spend time with you. Younger children might cry or throw tantrums when it’s time to be with you, while older children may actively avoid these interactions, even scheduling other activities during your parenting time.
• Refusal to Acknowledge Good Times: Your child may appear to forget positive experiences you’ve shared together and may begin to display an inexplicable bitterness about things related to you. They may start to perceive you as being in the wrong more often than not.
• Parroting: The child may begin to repeat statements or attitudes that seem to reflect the views of the other parent, often in a way that’s inconsistent with their developmental stage or understanding.
• Rejection: Your child might begin to reject not only you but also your relatives, friends, or new partner, and may claim that you caused harm to the other parent. This could include statements like blaming you for ruining the other parent’s life or causing them undue pain.
• Exclusion: You might find yourself excluded from important aspects of your child’s life, such as their education, health updates, or key social events. The child may also avoid acknowledging you in their activities if the other parent is present, such as at school performances or sports games.
• Irresponsiveness: The child may suddenly stop responding to your messages, calls, or video chats during your parenting time. This could be a sign that something is influencing their behavior behind the scenes, especially if they also seem reluctant to bring items from the other parent’s home to yours.
• Knowledge of Exclusive Happenings: Your child may start showing awareness of personal or legal matters related to your divorce, suggesting that the other parent is discussing these sensitive issues with them.

Contact a Family Lawyer

If you suspect that your ex-partner is manipulating your child against you, it may be helpful to consult with a family lawyer to determine a suitable course of action. It’s also useful to gather the following information to strengthen your case:

• Dates and times when your child was kept from spending time with you, either due to refusal or manipulation.
• Records of attempts to contact your child, such as texts, FaceTime, or Skype communications, especially if these attempts were unsuccessful.
• Dates and times when you attended your child’s events or activities, showing your support and involvement in their life.
• Social media posts that may suggest signs of parental alienation.
• Photos or other documentation of positive moments shared with your child during various functions, holidays, or events.
• Copies of emails, text messages, or other communications that reflect the concerns of parental alienation.

Conclusion

Parental alienation can have a significant impact on your relationship with your child, and it should not be dismissed, as it can harm both you and your child in subtle ways. While it may not always be easy to address, working with a child custody attorney can help you navigate the situation and potentially restore the relationship with your child. They can also assist you in presenting your case in court if parental alienation becomes a concern.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about parental alienation and its signs. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified family law attorney. Legal outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances.

Published by Joseph T.