What is parental alienation and how to identify it?

Parental alienation is a situation in which one parent tries to turn their child against the other parent. It can happen during or after a divorce or separation, and it can have serious consequences on the child's mental and emotional well-being, as well as on the parent-child relationship. Identifying parental alienation can be challenging, but there are some common signs to look out for:

1. Negative Comments: If a child repeatedly makes negative comments about one parent without any valid reason, it could be a sign of parental alienation.

2. Lack of Affection: A sudden lack of affection or closeness towards one parent can indicate that the child has been influenced to distance themselves.

3. Fear or Anxiety: If a child shows fear or anxiety about spending time with one parent, it may be a sign that they have been manipulated or coerced into feeling that way.

4. Lack of Empathy: A child who shows a lack of empathy or concern for one parent's feelings may have been influenced to believe negative things about that parent.

5. Repeatedly Cancelling Visits: If one parent consistently cancels visitation or interferes with communication between the child and the other parent, it could be a sign of parental alienation.

6. Involving the Child in Conflict: Using the child as a messenger or involving them in adult conflicts is a form of emotional manipulation that may lead to parental alienation.