Parental Alienation Awareness Day: Meaning, signs, and 3 ways to treat this syndrome
Every year, April 25th marks Parental Alienation Awareness Day. This awareness day was created as a part of a global awareness campaign about parental alienation. The purpose of the day is to promote awareness regarding parental alienation among the general public, government servants such as judges, police departments, mental health care providers, lawyers, family, friends, and child protection organizations.
Sarvy EMO from Canada came up with this idea. The Parental Alienation Awareness Organization (PAAO) was founded a few months after the initial focus and continues to provide year-round education and awareness about parental alienation.
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What is parental alienation?
Parental alienation happens when one parent turns their child against the other parent and his or her family. Parental alienation is described as one parent's systematic denigration of the other in order to undermine what would otherwise be a loving parent-child bond. This behavior can accompany high-conflict relationships but is most typically connected with legalized family separation or divorce.
Parental alienation is defined as one or more of a set of behaviors that harm children's mental and emotional well-being, often consisting of interference with the relationship between children and one or both of their parents. The theory of parental alienation has been used in court to grant custody to a parent who claims estrangement or to modify custody in favor of that parent, Courts have typically dismissed parental alienation as a credible scientific theory, but some have permitted the idea to be argued as important to determining the child's best interests when deciding custody. Legal specialists acknowledge that alienating behaviors are widespread in child custody proceedings, but many are skeptical of the concept of parental alienation.
Definition of alienating behavior
In their narcissistic wrath, the alienating parent then claims, "It's not me, it's what the child wants." Every minor infraction committed by the non-custodial parent becomes a major offense, further devaluing and undermining a good, loving relationship. This is also known as an intertwined parent.
Signs of an alienating parent
1. Allowing the child to criticize or treat the other parent with disrespect.
2. The child being asked to lie to the other parent or to violate the parent's trust in the child.
3. Acting betrayed if the youngster has any positive sentiments for the other parent.
4. When there is no other option, giving the child the authority to choose whether or not to spend time with the other parent.
5. Excessive phone calls or scheduled activities that infringe on the other parent's time.
Treating Parental Alienation
1. The treatment of parental alienation depends on its severity. If your child is less ill, the judge's order to the estranged parent to stop badmouthing you in front of your child and to follow the parenting plan might be enough. You may also benefit from a parenting coordinator, such as parenting classes, to help you and your ex communicate better and support your child's relationship.
2. It is important to recognize parental alienation in its early stages, as treating the more severe stages can do more harm than good. If bonding is enforced and the child sees it as punishment, it can cause permanent damage. Children taken from an estranged parent may feel helpless and experience further trauma.
3. If you suspect that your child may be experiencing parental alienation, seek professional help. Start with a therapist who understands parental alienation and can work with you to develop a plan to help your child.