There are fathers who alienate mothers from children in child custody matters. Moreover, mothers might also be doing the same. Any parent can alienate their child from the other parent, regardless of gender. There are a number of ways in which a parent can alienate their child from the other parent. Some common tactics include:
- Badmouthing the targeted parent. This may involve making negative comments about the other parent’s appearance, personality, parenting skills, or behaviour.
- Limiting the child’s contact with the other parent. This may involve making it difficult for the other parent to see or talk to the child, or discouraging the child from wanting to spend time with the other parent.
- Turning the child against the other parent. This may involve the alienating parent telling the child lies about the other parent, or making them feel guilty or afraid of the other parent.
Parental alienation can have a devastating impact on children. It can lead to a range of emotional and
psychological problems. Read on to learn more about fathers who alienate mothers from children.
Key takeaways
- Parental alienation is a serious issue that can have lasting negative consequences for children.
- It is true that there are fathers who alienate mothers from children, but so do mothers.
- There are a number of things that the parent can do to deal with parental alienation. They may seek professional help, document the alienating behaviour, and maintain a positive relationship with their children.
- Lastly, parental responsibility is an important consideration in family law matters involving parental alienation.
What is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation is a serious issue that can have lasting negative consequences for children. It is a form of emotional abuse in which one parent manipulates the child into rejecting the other parent. Parental alienation can occur in any family, but it is more common in high-conflict separation and divorce cases.
There are common signs to look out for if mothers are alienating fathers, or fathers who alienate mothers from children:
- The child hates one parent very much and can’t stop thinking about it.
- The child speaks about the parent in the same way as the alienating parent.
- The child refuses to visit the parent, even though they may be ordered to do so by a court.
- The child has the same beliefs as the alienating parent, and these beliefs often contribute to their negative feelings and are harmful.
- The child has some beliefs that are not true and that do not make sense.
- The child’s reasons for hating the alienated parent are not based on their own experiences, but on what they have been told by the other parent or others.
- The child only feels hatred for the alienated parent and cannot see any good in them.
- The child does not feel guilty about the way they treat the alienated parent.
- The child may seem like a normal and healthy child, but when they talk about the alienated parent, they become very angry.
Causes of Parental Alienation
Parental alienation can be caused by a variety of factors, including a parent’s:
- Desire for revenge or control over the other parent
- Mental health issues, such as narcissism or borderline personality disorder
- Belief that the other parent is a danger to the child’s relationship
- Desire to protect the child from the other parent’s perceived flaws or negative behaviour
Effects of Parental Alienation
The effects of fathers who alienate mothers from children or vice versa can be devastating for both the child and the alienated parent. For instance, children who are alienated from their mothers may experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
They may also have difficulty forming healthy relationships in the future. Mothers may experience feelings of grief, loss, and anger, and may struggle to maintain their connection or relationship with their child.
Fathers Who Alienate Mothers From Children: FAQs
Q: What is the difference between parental alienation and estrangement?
A: Parental alienation is a form of emotional abuse in which one parent manipulates the child into rejecting the other parent. Estrangement is a broader term that refers to any situation in which a child does not have a relationship with one or both parents.
Q: How can I tell if my child is being alienated from me?
A: Some of the common signs that your child may be being alienated from you include:
- They make negative comments about you without any basis.
- They refuse to see or talk to you.
- They express fear or anxiety about seeing or talking to you.
- They align themselves with the other parent’s negative views of you.
- They make excuses for the other parent’s behaviour.
Do you have a case similar to fathers who alienate mothers from children? If this is the case, it is important to talk to a trusted friend or family member. You may also seek professional help from a therapist, counsellor, or a family lawyer.
Q: Can I seek legal action if I think the alienating parent refuses to to talk to me?
A: Yes. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek legal help to protect the parent-child relationship with your child. Family lawyers can help with cases about fathers who alienate mothers from children or mothers who alienate fathers from children. They can also represent you in court and help:
- Change the child’s custody arrangements.
- Order the alienating parent to cease their alienating behaviour.
- Order the child to attend counselling.
- Identify the child’s best interests.
Q: What is parental alienation syndrome?
A: Parental Alienation Syndrome is the systematic denigration by one parent with the intent of alienating the child against the other parent. In most cases, parental alienation occurs when one parent wants to gain custody of a child and exclude involvement by the alienated parent. Anyone claiming Parent Alienation Syndrome should look for family therapy as a constructive way forward
Shared Parental Responsibility
Shared parental responsibility (SPR) in Australia is a legal arrangement that gives both parents the right to make decisions about their child’s upbringing. It is presumed that both parents will have SPR unless there is a reason why this is not in the child’s best interests. Section 60CC of the Family Law Act provides the conditions for the child’s best interests.
SPR means that both parents have a say in decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religion, and other important aspects of their life. It also means that both parents are responsible for the child’s financial support.
Parental alienation can have a significant impact on shared parental responsibility. When one parent alienates the child from the other parent, it can make it very difficult for the two parents to work together. The alienating parent may try to:
- Control the other parent’s access to the child
- Make it difficult for the child to develop a relationship with the other parent.
- Ruin the proposed custody schedule
Additional Tips for Alienated Parents
- Educate yourself about parental alienation. The more you know about this form of child abuse, the better equipped you will be to cope with it. There are many resources available online and in libraries which teach parents in managing parental alienation.
- Seek support from other parents who have been through the same experience. There are many online and in-person support groups for fathers or mothers of alienated children. Talking to other parents who understand what you are going through can be very helpful.
- Document everything. Keep a journal of all of your interactions with your alienated child and the other parent. This will be helpful if you need to go to court.
- Do not give up on your child. No matter how difficult it may be, it is important to stay involved in your child’s life. Even if they are rejecting you now, they may come back to you one day.
- Be patient and understanding. Remember that your child is being manipulated and brainwashed by the other parent. It may take time for them to see through the lies and come back to you.
Our Lawyers’ Knowledge of Family Law Matters
Matters relating to fathers who alienate mothers from their children or mothers who alienate fathers from their children should be duly investigated. We at JB Solicitors can help parents who have been alienated from their children and help prepare proper custody arrangements.
We understand that it is difficult for you to go through parental alienation alone. That’s why our team will provide you with the necessary legal support so you can tackle the situation.
Contact us today if you need help with parental alienation or custody arrangement matters.
