Parental alienation is sometimes a part of the divorce process. Not only can it be damaging to the relationship you have with your child, but it can make it difficult to successfully co-parent. If you suspect that your spouse is attempting to hurt your relationship with your child, here is what you need to know. 

Is It Parental Alienation?

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between the normal feelings a child experiences during a divorce and parental alienation. For instance, a disrespectful attitude is not only a sign of parental alienation, but also can be a normal reaction to his or her parents divorcing. 

However, a combination of signs can possibly mean that the child's other parent is actively working to drive a rift between you and your child. Other signs of parental alienation include:

• The child mimics the other parent's thoughts and words
• The child uses abusive language towards you
• The child exaggerates punishments to claim abuse
• The other parent limits your contact with the child
• The child is unable to recall or refuses to remember good times with you

There are many other signs that the other parent might be manipulating your child. If you are unsure whether or not what you are seeing is parental alienation, talk to your attorney or a child therapist. 

What Can You Do?

If you suspect that your child is being manipulated, there are several things you can do to combat the other parent's tactics. One of the most important things you need to do is document everything. In the event that your divorce attorney has to turn to the court for action, your documentation can help prove your argument. 

You also need to avoid negatively talking about the other parent. If you choose to verbally slam the other parent every time the child is with you, you could be inadvertently helping to affirm everything negative the other parent has said about you. 

In addition to these measures, you need to continue to try to contact the child. Even if the other parent blocks your efforts, you have to try. When you email, call, send letters, or communicate in other ways, you are helping to build a paper trail that shows you attempted to work with the other parent. 

Whenever your child is with you or in contact, you need to reassure the child that you love him or her. It is important that whatever you do or say, you need to be sincere. 

Your divorce attorney, such as the Law Offices of Gordon Liebmann, can help you work within the law to deal with parental alienation. 

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