Is Your Child Pulling Away? Know The Signs Of Parental Alienation

After a divorce or separation, it’s natural to feel a shift in your relationship with your children. You may see them less often, and routines will change. But what shouldn’t happen is a complete breakdown of the bond you’ve built with them. If you feel like this is happening to you, reach out to our compassionate and skilled Alabama divorce lawyer to see how we can help.

If your child is suddenly distant, critical, or unrecognizable in how they treat you, it could be something more than just adjustment—it could be parental alienation.

At New Beginnings Family Law, we want to help you recognize the red flags and take action early, before lasting harm is done.

What Is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation occurs when one parent intentionally (or subconsciously) attempts to undermine the relationship between the other parent and the child. It can happen gradually and may be difficult to detect at first.

But the signs are there—and recognizing them early can make all the difference.

8 Common Signs To Watch For

Here are some behaviors that may indicate your child is being influenced by the other parent in a harmful way:

• Unjustified criticism of you or your parenting. The child may claim you’re unfair or mean—often without any real explanation.
• Vague or rehearsed reasons for resentment. When asked why they’re upset, their answers lack detail or clarity.
• No memory of positive experiences. Even when shown photos or cards from happy times, the child can’t recall anything good about the relationship.
• No guilt or remorse. The child seems unbothered by the harsh things they say or do toward you.
• Claims of total independence. They insist these feelings are their own, not influenced by the other parent.
• Unquestioning loyalty to the alienating parent. The other parent can do no wrong in the child’s eyes.
• “Borrowed scenarios.” The child shares stories or details they couldn’t possibly know unless told by someone else.
• Hostility that extends to extended family. Their anger or detachment spreads to your parents, siblings, or others close to you.

What Should You Do?

Don’t wait. The longer alienation continues, the harder it becomes to rebuild the parent-child relationship. Early intervention is key.

• Document the behavior.
• Reach out to an experienced attorney.
• Seek professional counseling for your child with someone trained to recognize and address parental alienation.

At New Beginnings Family Law, we’ve helped parents in your shoes take meaningful steps to reconnect with their children—and protect their emotional well-being.

You Deserve To Be In Your Child’s Life

If you’re seeing these signs, trust your instincts. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help you take the next right step—calmly, legally, and with your child’s best interests at heart.

New Life. New Direction. New Beginnings Family Law. Reach out to us today.