In the time after a divorce, your children may begin to act oddly and show signs of intense anger. Although these problems may not be noticeable right away, they could increase as time goes on.
The effects of parental alienation are important to notice since your ex-spouse could be trying to harm your relationship with your children.
Shorter and less personal visits
According to Psychology Today, one tactic many alienating parents try is to show up early to pick up their children or refuse to drop their children off at the correct time. This kind of sudden and unexpected change can have you feeling frustrated and confused.
Too much personal information shared
The more time your children spend with your ex-spouse, the more they may hear about age-inappropriate details about your life. Alienating parents also may lie to children and claim that their other parent does not love them or dislikes talking to them.
This can lead to fewer opportunities to talk to your children and correct this misunderstanding, since they then begin to feel uneasy around you.
Unpredictable outbursts of emotion
This very strict and negative view of you can leave your children feeling guilty over enjoying time with you. They may become angry very quickly but refuse to articulate why.
Your ex-spouse may also blame you for issues that you have no control over, such as not being able to spend a holiday together. Your children may even blame you for causing the divorce, due to the alienating parent’s influence. This added frustration can leave your children feeling conflicted and refusing to talk to you. Knowing these signs and why they affect your relationship can help you.