Parental alienation occurs when one parent undermines or disrupts the relationship between a child and the other parent. It often manifests during or after divorce or separation. This harmful behavior can have negative effects on children’s emotional well-being and development.
Understanding why parental alienation is detrimental for children helps parents and caregivers recognize and address this harmful dynamic.
Emotional distress and psychological harm
Parental alienation can cause children to experience emotional distress and psychological harm. Being in the middle of parental conflict can lead to feelings of confusion, guilt and anxiety. Children may also develop low self-esteem. They may also struggle with trust issues as a result of facing manipulation or coercion by one parent against the other.
Disrupted parent-child relationships
A major consequence of parental alienation is the disruption of parent-child relationships. When one parent undermines the relationship between the child and the other parent, it can strain the bond between the child and the targeted parent. Children may worry about expressing affection or spending time with the targeted parent. This can lead to strained or estranged relationships that can have lasting effects into adulthood.
Negative impacts on child development
Parental alienation can impede children’s healthy development and social adjustment. Experiencing ongoing conflict between parents can interfere with children’s ability to form attachments. It can also hinder the ability to develop healthy coping mechanisms. Children may also struggle in school or with peers as they grapple with the emotional toll of parental alienation. This can affect their well-being and success in various areas of life.
By promoting healthy co-parenting practices and prioritizing the child’s best interests, people can create supportive environments where children thrive despite the challenges of divorce or separation.
