Last updated on April 8, 2021
As divorced parents in Georgia, you and your ex-spouse may struggle to hide the hard feelings of your failed relationship from your child. However, it is absolutely necessary for the emotional health of your child. If the other parent is sharing his or her bitterness with your child as a method of emotional manipulation, it could lead to difficulties and alienation in spite of your continued attempts at a parent-child bond. We at the Siemon Law Firm have helped many parents to establish a parenting schedule that is in the best interests of the child, even in the face of alienation.
Psychology Today explains that if you find yourself in this situation, your goal should be to help your child understand the need for both parents. However, you may not benefit from attempting to counter the negative descriptions your child has been hearing with declarations of your own self-worth. Instead, experts recommend that you allow others to demonstrate their respect for you. This illustrates to your child that many or even most people do not agree with your ex-spouse’s attitude against you.
Some experts believe that attempting to separate your child from the other parent is not any healthier than the estrangement you have experienced due to the ex-spouse’s alienating tactics. In fact, your child could perceive denied visitation as punitive, and it may expose your child to more conflict between you and your ex-spouse. Child psychologists suggest that you seek to appease the negative feelings your child’s other parent feels toward you to prevent your child from being exposed to more conflict. If possible, you should work together to develop a co-parenting plan that helps your child maintain healthy bonds with each of you. Visit our page for more information about parent-child relationships.
