Raising a child is hard enough as a single parent, but finding out that your child is being manipulated to hate you makes your life so much more difficult. Not only do you have to mitigate the damage that is being done to your child’s psyche, but you also have to try to handle the negative interactions they’re having with the other parent.
In situations where a child is being turned against a parent, the child may be a victim of parental alienation. Parental alienation tactics may attempt to break down communication between the target parent and child or manipulate the child into ignoring or refusing to see the parent. They may be manipulated into fearing the other parent or acting out against them.
Dealing with parental alienation? Help is available
It’s important to know that help is available when parental alienation seems to be taking place. Initially, you may want to discuss your child’s behavior with the other parent, especially if they have mentioned that the other parent expects them to do or say certain things to you.
A children’s therapist may be another excellent choice to help with this situation, especially if you want to build up evidence of your child’s actions and how the other parent may be influencing them. Then, if you need to take the case to court, you could have an expert speak about alienation and how your child could be suffering.
It’s hard to deal with parental alienation. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can mitigate the damage and take steps to get the custody arrangements that will help protect your child.