Understanding Parental Alienation

Parental alienation refers to a psychological condition in which a child, through the brainwashing or actions of his parent, begins to hate or resent the other parent. This is a real problem that affects thousands of children throughout the U.S., as it can lead to long-lasting damage to the child’s relationship with the targeted parent.  

There are many ways a parent can brainwash a child into thinking their other parent is the enemy. Talking ill about the other parent in front of the child, telling the child that the divorce is the other parent’s fault, preventing the child from seeing the other parent, or telling the child that his other parent doesn’t love him are all examples of parental alienation.

Signs of Parental Alienation

If you think your child might be a victim of parental alienation, there are signs you can look for:

• Your child has been acting differently and you don’t know why
• Your child has been acting more withdrawn or distant towards you
• Your child has been lashing out or acting angry
• Your child no longer wants to spend time with you
• Your child begins to blame you for the divorce
• Your child says things that sound like he is reiterating something he heard from an adult
• Your relationship with your child has changed for the worse

When to Contact a Lawyer

Parental alienation can be a very tricky thing. Your child may be having trouble adjusting or dealing with the divorce and may be taking it out on you. Maybe there is something going on at school or he is just going through a difficult time. But if you feel like parental alienation is occurring, you should  contact the Law Office of Teresa Beyers right away. An experienced  Los Angeles family law attorney can provide you with legal advice, guidance, and resources, and can help you take legal action if need be!