01/02/2026
Parental alienation is not a syndrome and is not recognized as child abuse or as a syndrome or diagnosis. Parental alienation is explained as "manipulating the child(ren) to sway their view of and desire to be with the other parent". It has been used in high-conflict custody/divorce cases, often by father's rights groups. When a child(ren) does not want to spend time with one parent and/or doesn't respect them, parental alienation is a term used by the rejected parent against the other parent.
Wanting to protect a child from suspected abuse or neglect is not parental alienation.
Telling a child that their other parent is "crazy" or "stupid" leans strongly towards trying to alienate them from the other parent but could backfire.
Validating a child's feelings is not parental alienation. Is there a reason for not wanting to spend time with the other parent or at their home?
Expecting a child to want to spend time with someone who they saw assault and verbally abuse the other parent is often what is forced on children.
Are we really out for the child's best interest? When it comes to child custody, take yourself out of the ring long enough to see the confused little faces you love who are being thrust into something painful they didn't choose and aren't responsible for.