Parental alienation—when one parent or a stepparent undermines a child’s relationship with the other parent—is a serious issue.
If you feel like your ex made your kids hate you, you could be dealing with this tough situation, and you’ll need to let your Durham divorce lawyer know right away. Even if you’ve been divorced for some time, an attorney can help you reexamine your custody agreement and ensure that your children are being treated the way they should be.
“I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong; My Ex Made My Kids Hate Me.”
In true cases of parental alienation, the alienated parent truly hasn’t done anything to chip away at his or her relationship with the kids. However, due to an angry or bitter ex’s efforts, a normal and loving parent-child relationship can deteriorate quickly. The person subjecting your kids to this psychological trauma is commonly referred to as the aligned parent, and as one of the victims, you’re the rejected parent. It’s important to note that a stepparent can also be the aligned parent.
How to Tell if Your Kids Are Victims of Parental Alienation
Recent studies suggest that between 11 and 15 percent of children whose parents have divorced are victims of parental alienation. There are several symptoms your kids might exhibit that can help you identify whether your ex is turning your children against you, including:
- A strong resistance against visiting you or a complete refusal to see you
- A desire to completely sever ties with you
- Making invalid accusations against you (such as “You’ve never supported me” and “Everything is all about you”)
- A very vehement denial that their hatred of you has anything to do with the aligned parent
- Hatred toward your extended family
- An inability to remember any good times with you
Not only does parental alienation destroy adults’ lives; it also wreaks havoc on kids’ lives. Kids who have been alienated from one parent generally experience emotional distress, adjustment difficulties and compromised social functioning. They may also have extremely low self-esteem or an inflated sense of self-worth; they may be aggressive, exhibit poor impulse control and suffer from anxiety or depression.
When to Call Your Durham Divorce Lawyer
If you suspect your ex is making your kids hate you, it’s time to call your Durham divorce lawyer. In addition to revisiting your original custody agreement, which may be necessary to preserve your relationship with your kids, your attorney might be able to recommend a local counselor or therapist who can help your family reconnect.
