In a perfect world, the goal of divorcing parents ought to be coming up with a co-parenting plan that works for both parties while addressing the children’s best interests. However, this is not always the case. It is not unusual for one or both parents to attempt to interfere with the children’s relationship with the other parent. When this happens, there may be parental alienation issues.
It is important to understand that parental alienation is a serious offense with severe consequences. Thus, if you feel the other parent is trying to cut you out of your children’s lives, it is in your best interest that you act quickly. Here are two steps you can take to counter parental alienation.
Focus on establishing a healthy relationship with the kids
Nothing can be devastating like being in a position where your own children are refusing to see you. However, you must never give up. A major part of countering parental alienation is doing everything within your power to maintain a healthy relationship with your kids, even in small ways. Here are practical steps you can take to rebuild the parent-children bond with your little ones:
- Remember your children’s birthdays and holidays
- Send them thoughtful letters reassuring them of your unconditional love for them
- Request supervised visits
- Be involved with what is going on in the children’s lives
If your co-parent continues to make building a healthy relationship with your children challenging, you may want to consider exploring your legal options. The law presumes that children benefit the most when both parents agree on a custody arrangement. In most parental alienation cases, the alienating parent will often try to blame the other parent.
They may cite abuse or come up with false claims with the sole aim of “muddying the waters.” However, keeping a journal of alienation can help you fight these claims and secure a favorable outcome. Parental alienation can result in the modification of the existing custody order in favor of the alienated parent.
Parental alienation occurs when one parent attempts to hurt the other parent’s relationship with their children. If you feel you are being alienated from your children, it is important that you take immediate steps to address this matter.
