Parental Alienation~ An Emotional Form Of Child Abuse

I have seen the devastating affects on a child who has been brain washed by a parent against another parent. In Pennsylvania the court orders parents to attend a class on how to separate and not create parental alienation. It should be a law throughout the United States.  Here is a great article on parental alienation:
http://www.fact.on.ca/Info/pas/darnal99.htm

It is extremely sad when a step parent uses their influence to brain wash a child, because of their own insecurities in a new marital situation, and the experience of a blended family.

Because of this nation's high levels of divorce a new study has found a new problem reactive attachment disorder. According to attachment theory, the child forms a strong emotional bond with caregivers during childhood with lifelong consequences. Sensitive and emotionally available parenting helps the child to form a secure attachment style which fosters a child's socio-emotional development and well-being. In extreme and rare conditions, the child may not form an attachment at all and may suffer from reactive attachment disorder. Principles of attachment parenting aim to increase development of a child's secure attachment and decrease insecure attachment.

It is sad that very often the custodial parent will demean the absent parent to the child, and then whenever the child shows bad behavior the custodial parent will accuse the child of being just like the absent parent.  Thus the child feels unloved by the custodial parent, since the child knows the custodial parent already removed the absent parent from their lives.  The child may turn to the outside world searching for love and validation.

What a shame that children are used as pawns in a divorce.  Why must one parent WIN when the child ultimately loses! 

A very helpful website: Click Here