What Are the Signs of Parental Alienation?

In the eyes of a court, alienation is one of the worst things that a parent can do during and after a divorce. It is often enough for a judge to order changes to the parenting plan and parental rights to protect the parent who is having the wedge being driven between them and their children. Many parents will suspect alienation but cannot conclusively determine that it is happening. Here are five signs of parental alienation. To discuss your specific concerns, contact an Illinois parenting attorney directly.

New and Unexplained Distance

Some parents may notice an unexplained distance between them and their children that involves anger or other strong emotions. While your children will not tell you what is bothering them, you can sense some hostility coming from them. You will often get the sense that your children want nothing to do with you but will never be able to give an explanation of why. 

Your Child Always Sides Against You

In a similar vein, when there is parental alienation, your children will seemingly side against you reflexively no matter what. Regardless of what the issue is, they will always stand with the other parent. In this case, there is nothing that you can do or say to change that. Here, it feels like your children will not even listen to what you have to say.

The Kids Know Details of Your Divorce

Alienation also can mean that your children know certain details of the divorce and the legal proceedings between you and the other parent. That information should never be shared with children. However, the alienator does it, adding their own spin, so the children will blame you for everything that is happening. 

Your Kids Don’t Want You There

You may find that your child does not want you around at things like baseball games and birthday parties. You could see an increase in your child’s exclusionary behavior, keeping you away from important events. It just feels like your child does not want you there. This will also extend to things like parent-teacher conferences and other important matters where you are legally allowed to be present, but the other parent is keeping you away. 

Your Kids Denigrate You

Finally, you will get the feeling that nothing you do or say is good enough for your child. In other words, it seems like you cannot do anything right. They will take issue with even the simplest of things that you try to do for them, often in a combative and hostile way. The telltale giveaway is that they are denigrating you using the exact words and terms that you have heard the other parent use in the past directly towards you.

Contact an Illinois Parenting Plan Attorney

An alienating parent is often trying to gain an advantage when it comes to parenting time and related orders. If you suspect alienation is impacting your child, you will need an attorney to take legal action. Contact an Illinois parenting plan attorney at the Goodman Law Firm today to set up a consultation so we can help you end this wrongful behavior. The initial consultation is free.