Mediate Michigan

Parental alienation syndrome (PAS) is discussed in an article by Cara Brandy, which may be found here.    While there are controversies about the validity of PAS it is a sad reality that children often become pawns used by their parents to hurt each other without concern for how the children are impacted.

The article notes that:

“Severe parental alienation happens when one parent makes a deliberate and on-going attempt to withhold contact with the other parent and cause(s) the child to fear or hate the other parent. This can cause the child to reject the targeted parent without really understanding why and to be depressed, have behaviour and learning disorders.”

“Some of the warning signs that a child may be in an alienating situation are: lowered performance at school, acting out behaviour, loss of interest in former activities, sleeplessness, and developing various forms of illness which do not seem to have a physical cause.”

“Parental alienation can be subtle and gradual and can draw in other people and is something people should consider when they or family members are divorcing,” said Belfie. “A healthy, normal person will want their children to have a good relationship with both parents.”