Unfortunately, the breakdown of a marriage can often lead to animosity between parents. Occasionally, this may cause former spouses to act in ways that are motivated purely out of spite.
When children are involved in the divorce procedure, matters can become even more troublesome. Sadly, anger and resentment can occasionally result in parents weaponizing their children. Parental alienation is one common outcome of a divorce that involves high levels of conflict. Outlined below are three common signs of parental alienation.
The child appropriates adult language
Sometimes, a child’s behavior can change dramatically in terms of the language that they use. Often, accusations with no basis could be made in language that the child has no firm understanding of. Additionally, negative comments may be uttered that could have only originated from the former spouse.
The child exhibits a one-sided attitude towards parents
Another common sign of parental alienation occurs when the child displays a lack of ambivalence towards parents. Frequently, one parent can do no wrong in the eyes of the child, whilst the alienated parents can do nothing to ease the child’s negative outlook towards them.
The child may reject extended family
Often, the symptoms of parental alienation can also expand to grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins on the side of the alienated parent. Relations that the child was fond of before divorce may now become fractured, for reasons that may not be immediately apparent.
Parental alienation can have a serious impact on the well-being of both parent and child. As a result, it is important to gain a further understanding of the phenomenon. Also, it is vital to remember that you have legal rights as a parent in Nebraska.