Dealing with parental alienation and it's breaking my heart

Jun 27·1 min read

My 8 year old came back from his moms place last weekend and told me some stuff that makes it pretty clear she's badmouthing me to him. He repeated phrases that sound exactly like her, saying I don't love him as much as she does and that I abandoned the family. I didn't abandon anyone I just couldn't stay in a toxic relationship. I want to address this with her but I know it'll blow up. He's my whole world and it kills me that he's hearing this garbage. Anyone else dealt with this?

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Comments(3)

JJosh M.Regular3w ago

I'm really sorry man. That's one of the hardest parts of co-parenting. Just keep being the steady, loving presence in their life. Kids are smarter than we think and eventually they figure out the truth.

AAustinRegularJun 27

This stuff is so hard. The alienation game is real and it's painful to watch your kids be used that way. Document everything and keep it factual for your lawyer, but also just keep showing up for your kid. They'll remember who was there.

RRobertRegularJun 27

Man, I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. When my kids come back from their mom's place, I can usually tell pretty quick if something's been said. It's such a gut punch. Have you thought about talking to a family therapist? They can help navigate these conversations with your 8 year old so he knows it's not his job to be in the middle.