No child deserves to be put in the middle of conflict between parents
Even when spouses are unable to resolve their differences and wind up getting a divorce, most want their children to have a healthy and loving relationships with each parent. So do the courts, since that is what is considered to be in the best interest of the child.
Unfortunately, when a divorce is especially acrimonious or there are factors which create extreme tension, children may become pawns in a game of “getting back” at the other parent.
Parental alienation isn’t just detrimental to the child’s mental and emotional well-being, it can put the offender in trouble with the court.
What is parental alienation in NJ?
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), parental alienation is a form of child psychological abuse. While not every case rises to an extreme degree, every case of parental alienation is damaging to the child’s healthy development.
Parental alienation is a form of brainwashing, in which one parent creates a rift between the child and the other parent through disparaging remarks, interfering with contact and otherwise attempting to break the bond with the other parent.
At its worst, parental alienation can cause problems for the child that are manifested in many ways, including fearfulness, depression, anxiety, sleep and eating disorders, poor impulse control, acting-out, problems in school and substance abuse.
Spotting signs of parental alienation in NJ
A parent who uses their child as a weapon in a conflict with their ex-spouse to isolate and alienate their child may use any number of “tactics.”
These include:
- Having the child request that the other parent not be present for significant events: Whether it is a game, a holiday celebration, a school program or even a birthday party—these are events where both parents might be present. When the child asks that the other parent not attend, it is a potential sign of parental alienation.
- Asking the child to get information about the other parent’s personal life: In essence, one parent is asking the child to spy on their other parent.
- Forcing the child to “take sides” when it comes to choosing which parent they want to visit: Insisting that a child choose between parents creates guilt and conflict for the child.
- Blaming the other parent for financial hardship and other struggles: “Badmouthing” the other parent in any form can make the child feel fearful and insecure.
- Making false and dangerous allegations about the other parent: Allegations of sexual abuse, violence, substance abuse or other illegal activities are damaging to the child and may lead to sanctions by the court.
Take immediate steps if your children have been subjected to parental alienation
To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your concerns with divorce attorney Steven Cytryn, please call our New Brunswick law office at (732) 214-1103 or contact us online.
