What is Parent Alienation Syndrome?

It is normal for a child at different times of life to show a preference for one of his/her parents. But when divorcing parents engage in too much conflict, children often feel they must take a side. Then the slight preference can become a blinding, obsessive, relentless alignment with one parent. Often this is quite gratifying to the parent, and if they are not aware they will encourage this type of behavior. Due to the level of conflict and the power of which parent the child aligns with, parents can give the child subtle and even unconscious messages to reject the alienated parent. The child comes to view the "bad" parent very critically, and many children will say that they "hate" that parent. They are very confused and have received subtle signals that this is a correct way to feel. The relationship between the alienated parent and the child can be damaged forever. It is important to note that the relationship between the child and the alienating parent is damaged as well. It may appear differently on the surface but the long-term effects are very profound. The development of parent alienation is probably the most damaging aspect of divorce for children, and it's effects can be life-long