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How to prevent parental alienation in a high-conflict divorce

Divorce can be difficult for every member of the family. When it comes to children, good parents want their children to adjust to the divorce and to remain happy. In a high-conflict divorce, however, children can have difficulties adapting.

Parental alienation can create a rift in families.

What does parental alienation look like?

Children will reject one parent without any legitimate justification, explains the Huffington Post. A parent may feel as though the children created an alternate reality where one parent is the villain. Children may take every action and statement and then twist it to prove that the targeted parent is unworthy.

There is no nuance in parental alienation. The children do not see the parent as someone human, but someone with only negative qualities. To their other parent, children will be fiercely loyal.

Keep children away from disputes

Many times, the alienation occurs because of the parent because of a high-conflict divorce. Mayo Clinic suggests that parents should keep children out of the fight.  While some parents will manipulate their children to believe the worst things about their other parent, some simply share too many details or react too negatively around their children.

For instance, parents should never speak badly about the other in front of the children. If your children come home from a weekend with your ex, you do not want to ask them how bad it was. Do not shape it to be a negative experience. You should not force your children to take a side. Do not use your children to hurt your ex. And do not discuss custody or support issues in front of children.