The Challenges of Divorce

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A narcissistic co-parent almost always engages in parental alienation.

Parental alienation occurs when your ex plays the victim and shifts all blame onto you.

Kids are programmed to protect their attachment relationships and jump in to help one that seems victimized.

A narcissistic co-parent can be vindictive and seems to have an insatiable need to “win” every power struggle during a divorce. In many instances, they involve the kids and have no qualms about turning your own kids against you. Alternatively, you want to put the dysfunctional marriage behind you and move forward, prioritizing your kids' health and happiness. The last thing you want is for the kids to endure any additional suffering.

Parental alienation takes place when one parent plays the victim with the kids and manipulates them into taking care of them while influencing them to turn their back on you. For example, “You and your dad and your sisters are together in the home that used to be mine. I am completely alone in an apartment. I have never been so lonely. I’m not sure I’m going to make it through this.” When a child hears this, they instantly panic. Biologically, neurologically, psychologically, and emotionally, kids are programmed to protect their attachment relationship. Without a second thought, the child dives in to help a parent that they believe is in peril.

After the child drops everything to attend to this parent, the parent will further “chain” them to their side by making the child think that they are the only ones who can help them. For example, “What would I do without you? You help me so much. I always........

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