Parental alienation is a real issue many divorcing couples face. On top of that, by the time you see the more obvious signs, it is often too late to actually take action to stop the damage of parental alienation from taking root.
Instead, you should keep an eye out for the earlier signs of parental alienation. These often happen right under your nose and are harder to spot.
Behavioral reactions to parental alienation
According to the Psychiatric Times, parental alienation manifests in different ways. The earlier signs, as mentioned above, are sometimes harder for you to notice. They often manifest in behavioral changes, but this can also differ depending on your child’s temperament and personality.
For example, some may react by withdrawing. They may seem reticent and reluctant to communicate, especially with you. They could seem depressed when spending time at your house, though they may ease out of this as time goes on.
Other children react aggressively. They might pick fights or lash out at others, especially you. They could seem easy to irritate. You might not be able to converse with them without them behaving irately.
Why do these occur?
These mood swings are often a result of the guilt and confusion they feel due to parental alienation tactics. They might also self-blame, but they can turn this blame outward toward you as well, especially with encouragement from the alienating parent.
Finally, keep an eye out for increased criticism. Does your child suddenly hate the way you cook? Can they no longer tolerate how clean your house is? Do they take issue with every little thing you do or say? This is another potential red flag. If you notice any of these things, you should take fast action while you can.
