Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a disorder arising primarily in context of child-custody disputes in divorce cases. It is the verbal and non-verbal bombardment of the suggestion that the other parent is the enemy. Children of people with PAS experience different depths of alienation. Parents who recognize the symptoms can take steps to reduce the alienation or even prevent it.
Types of Alienators
- Naïve alienators are those parents who will remain silent and undisturbed about the child’s relationship with the other parent but may occasionally say something negative about them. All parents have a tendency to be naïve alienators. Children learn to ignore the comments made by them.
- Active alienators are aware that they are alienating, but because of their intense hurt or anger tend to be overprotective of the child and exhibit irrational behaviour. Later they attempt to make amends.
- Obsessed alienators fervently go about destroying the other parent. He/ she is completely bitter and feels betrayed by the other parent and the common parenthood puts a strain on them.
Preventing Parental Alienation
The first step is to recognize the extent of alienation. Then one must work to help oneself overcome the alienation. Therapy, if needed must be taken to overcome the anger, hurt and frustations which are the root causes for creating parentl alienation syndrome. Professional help can be sought when there is a problem that does not go away. There is no effective treatment for an obssessed alienator or the children who become true believers of their parent’s cause.
Legal Aid
Consider getting legal aid when dealing with an obsessed alienator. The Court can recognize early the symptoms of parental alienation and intervene. The parents may be given the chance to speak before the Court and therapy may be ordered for the parents and the child. A Guardian Ad Litem may also be ordered to monitor compliance and report to the Cour.
