If you notice your children acting more negatively toward you after a divorce, then your co-parent may be trying to alienate them.
This form of manipulation can leave parents confused and worried about their relationship with their children. Learning about how it harms you may help you realize if this problem is occurring.
Harsh words
According to Psychology Today, children who repeat mature-sounding ideas or disrespectful phrases about you could be copying their co-parent. If he or she frequently shares private and personal details with your children, then he or she may be trying to turn them against you.
Your children could show no signs of guilt over these rude replies. This could stem from your co-parent convincing them that you were at fault for the divorce and any problems after.
More time apart
If you notice your children shying away from you or your co-parent shortening your time alone with them, it could be because of alienation. Your co-parent may pick up your children early or drop them off later than usual in order to try to harm your bond.
This can even extend to digital communication, such as texting or emailing. Your co-parent could limit your children’s time on electronic devices in order to prevent you both from talking.
Increased anger and negativity
A child that assumes everyone on one side of a family is awful may be hearing opinions from another source. This source, your co-parent, may talk to your children about you and your relatives in a negative way, including telling lies. Alienation can leave your children feeling angry and hostile toward you.
