What Is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation refers to a situation in which one parent deliberately attempts to undermine or damage the child’s relationship with the other parent, often during or after a divorce or separation. It involves psychological manipulation and tactics that aim to turn the child against the targeted parent. This phenomenon can have serious negative effects on the child’s emotional well-being and can lead to long-lasting damage to the parent-child relationship.

Ken Lewis, Director of Child Custody Evaluation Services of Philadelphia, Inc. defines parental alienation in his work:

Parental alienation is a strategy whereby one parent intentionally displays to the child unjustified negativity aimed at the other parent. The purpose of this strategy is to damage the child’s relationship with the other parent and to turn the child’s emotions against that other parent. This strategy has been called a “head-trip game.”

Parental alienation is a particular family dynamic that can emerge during divorce in which the child becomes excessively hostile and rejecting of one parent.

What are the signs of parental alienation?

Parental alienation can be subtle and complex, making it important to recognize the signs early so that appropriate steps can be taken to address the situation. While not all conflicts between parents and children are indicative of parental alienation, the following signs might suggest that it is occurring:

• “Campaign of denigration.” The child consistently speaks negatively about one parent and repeats derogatory statements that seem to reflect the views of the other parent.
• Unjustified fear. The child expresses unreasonable fear or anxiety about spending time with or being left alone with one parent, despite there being no legitimate basis for this fear.
• Refusal to spend time. The child actively resists spending time with or visiting the targeted parent, even if they had a positive relationship before.
• Lack of ambivalence. The child displays unwavering and intense support for one parent while completely rejecting the other parent, without showing any ambivalence or recognition of the positive aspects of the rejected parent.
• Parroting adult language. The child uses adult-like language and phrases that are beyond their age level when discussing one parent, often mirroring language used by the alienating parent.
• Allegations of abuse. The child makes accusations of abuse or neglect against the targeted parent, often with little or no supporting evidence. These accusations can be inconsistent or exaggerated.
• Unexplained hostility. The child displays sudden, unexplained hostility or aggression toward the targeted parent, sometimes escalating to verbal or physical abuse.
• Overemphasis on material gain. The child becomes overly focused on material benefits that come from the alienating parent while showing disinterest in the targeted parent’s non-material contributions.
• Loss of empathy. The child seems to have lost the ability to empathize with the targeted parent’s feelings or perspective.
• The child remains inflexible and resistant to any attempts made by the targeted parent to improve the relationship or communication.
• Rejection of extended family. The child extends their rejection beyond the targeted parent to include extended family members on that side, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
• Emotional distance. The child displays emotional detachment from the targeted parent and avoids any emotional connection, even during moments that were previously significant.

If you notice these signs in your child’s behavior, it’s crucial to address the situation promptly. Parental alienation can have long-lasting effects on a child’s emotional well-being and their relationship with both parents. Consulting with mental health professionals, counselors, and your San Antonio family law attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the situation and work toward a resolution that prioritizes the best interests of the child.

What are the consequences of parental alienation?

In addition to potentially disrupting child custody schedules, parental alienation can have alarming effects on the children involved. Ken Lewis notes, “Some of the frequently listed effects of parental alienation have been reported in the child welfare literature, including:

• An impaired ability to establish and maintain future relationships
• A lowering of the child’s self-image
• A loss of self-respect
• The evolution of guilt, anxiety, and depression over their role in destroying their relationship with a previously loved parent
• Lack of impulse control (aggression can turn into delinquent behavior); and
• Educational problems, disruptions in school.”

How do the San Antonio courts view parental alienation?

In Texas, the courts take parental alienation seriously due to the potential harm it can cause to children and the parent-child relationship. When presented with evidence of parental alienation, Texas courts typically respond by prioritizing the best interests of the child and taking steps to promote healthy relationships between parents and their children.

The courts first evaluate the evidence presented by both parties and consider the circumstances surrounding the alleged parental alienation. This can involve reviewing testimonies from parents, children, mental health professionals, and other relevant witnesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

One common response from the courts is to order counseling or therapy for both the child and the parents involved. The objective is to provide a safe environment for communication, facilitate understanding, and address the emotional and psychological effects of parental alienation on the child. These interventions aim to help parents recognize the importance of fostering a healthy parent-child relationship and to minimize the negative impacts of alienating behaviors.

In cases where the court finds that parental alienation is significantly affecting the child’s well-being, it may consider modifying child custody arrangements. This could involve adjusting the parenting plan to ensure more balanced access to both parents, or reducing the influence of the alienating parent to mitigate the harm caused by their actions.

To ensure that the child’s best interests are properly represented, Texas courts may appoint a guardian ad litem. These professionals can conduct thorough investigations, gather relevant information, and provide recommendations to the court based on their assessment of the situation.

In severe cases where parental alienation is persistent and detrimental to the child’s well-being, the court may resort to holding the offending parent in contempt of court. These measures aim to discourage further alienating behaviors and emphasize the importance of adhering to court orders and acting in the child’s best interests.

Texas courts may also require parents to attend educational programs or workshops that focus on co-parenting, communication, and conflict resolution. These programs aim to provide parents with the necessary tools to navigate their relationship post-divorce in a way that supports the child’s emotional well-being.

The response of the court to parental alienation varies based on the unique circumstances of each case. The court’s primary consideration is the child’s best interests and the need to ensure a healthy and supportive environment for their growth and development. If you suspect parental alienation in your situation, consulting with an experienced San Antonio family law attorney from Grable Grimshaw, PLLC is essential to understanding your rights and navigating the legal process effectively. To schedule an appointment, call our offices or fill out our contact form today.