Do Divorce Right: Preventing Parental Alienation from Your Children

My job is to talk about today’s most pivotal questions that press on the hearts and minds of America’s families. Nothing is outside of the depth and span of my reach in addressing controversial issues that matter to you – including relationships, and dealing with divided families. On my recent online radio show, Wellness for the Real World, I talk with several experts about a perspective that doesn’t often receive as much attention – the child’s viewpoint. Listeners learn what words and actions from parents can cause children to become hurt and distant, and how parents can avoid those disappointing consequences.

For many children, young adults and even today’s adults, divorce can divide their loyalty between their parents. On my talk show that aired August 9^th, one of my guests who actually suggested that we host a show on divorce, Cathy Martin from Birmingham, AL, confesses that when she was only 10 years old, her parents divorced and her alcoholic mother bombarded her with post-divorce bad-mouthing of her father, hoping to drive her affections away from her father. However, these vengeful actions actually had the opposite effect – the verbal assault actually drew her closer with her father. Her intuition and ability to see through to the remarks allowed her to pinpoint the truth behind her mother’s attacks.

Whether enduring a more healthy separation or an abuse-ridden break, all divorce runs the risk of being rocky and messy for all parties involved. Kids of divorced parents feel emotional complexity and confusion when they are faced with a decision of choosing between spending time at one parent’s home over the other. Their loyalty can be strongly affected by each parent’s treatment of the divorce and communication of that to the child. Listen in to this talk radio show to learn critical divorce tips to avoid child-alienation, salvage your relationship with your child, and pursue a child-centered divorce that focuses on opportunities for growth rather than the devastation of brokenness.

Reference: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wellnessfortherealworld/2011/08/03/parents-alienated-by-divorce