Parental alienation is one of the biggest potential issues you might face while going through divorce. However, your attention is often so divided during the divorce process that it is hard to notice signs of parental alienation as it occurs.
Thus, it helps to know what red flags to keep an eye out for. This way, you can act if you notice anything amiss.
Behavioral differences
Psychiatric Times discusses potential warning signs of parental alienation. First, the biggest red flag is a reluctance to spend time with the alienated parent. However, by the time this starts to manifest in a notable way, the alienating parent often has had plenty of time to manipulate your child.
Instead, you want to focus on earlier and smaller signs. For example, children may show behavioral differences. They could grow withdrawn and depressed. They might start disconnecting from others. They could lose interest in things they previously enjoyed and project a general gloomy air. They could also lash out at others, instead. They might pick fights and struggle to connect with peers.
Increased criticism
Keep an eye out for an increase in seemingly tiny criticisms, too. For example, your child might suddenly have a problem with the way you clean your home. They might suddenly begin to reject your cooking, despite being fine with it before. Eventually, this might move on to bigger examples, such as the company you keep or your style of living.
If you notice this happening, your child might be suffering through parental alienation. This should be your cue to act.
