Parental Alienation After Divorce: When Your Child Starts Turning Against You

When Your Child Starts Turning Against You After Divorce, the emotional pain can be devastating. You may find yourself wondering why a child who once loved spending time with you suddenly refuses to visit, pulls away, or seems to believe everything negative they hear about you. Could this be parental alienation? In this episode of The Better Divorce Podcast, host Paulette Rigo sits down with Dr. Lynn Steinberg, a family therapist with more than 50 years of experience working with children and families, to explore parental alienation after divorce, its warning signs, and the lasting impact it can have on parent-child relationships. Parental alienation is a complex and deeply painful issue, particularly in high-conflict divorce situations. Dr. Steinberg explains how children can become caught in loyalty conflicts, how one parent may influence a child's relationship with the other parent, and why early intervention matters. The conversation also explores the difference between ordinary parent-child conflict and more serious patterns of rejection, emphasizing the importance of understanding what a child is experiencing before jumping to conclusions. Whether you are a parent experiencing rejection from your child, navigating a high-conflict divorce, or trying to protect your children's emotional well-being, this conversation offers important insights into recognizing concerning patterns and finding appropriate professional support. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER • Early warning signs of parental alienation after divorce and how children may begin carrying adult conflict. • Why some children suddenly reject a parent they once loved. • How loyalty conflicts can make children feel they must choose between Mom and Dad. • The difference between normal post-divorce adjustments and more serious parent-child relationship ruptures. • How manipulation, negative comments, and emotional pressure can affect a child's relationship with a parent. • Why documentation and recognizing behavioral patterns can matter in high-conflict divorce cases. • Why specialized training in parental alienation may be important when choosing a family therapist. • How parents can respond with patience, empathy, and emotional availability when a child begins pulling away. • The importance of appropriate professional assessment, family intervention, and informed legal support. • Practical considerations for protecting your relationship with your children throughout and after divorce. ABOUT DR. LYNN STEINBERG Dr. Lynn Steinberg is a family therapist with more than five decades of experience working with children and families. Her professional work includes consultation, assessment, and intervention planning in cases involving high-conflict divorce and disrupted parent-child relationships. She is also the author of You're Not Crazy, which addresses the experiences of parents affected by parental alienation. Website: https://linsteinberg.com ABOUT THE BETTER DIVORCE PODCAST The Better Divorce Podcast, hosted by Paulette Rigo, explores the emotional, practical, and family challenges of divorce. Through expert conversations and real-world insights, the podcast helps parents navigate divorce with greater clarity, less conflict, and a stronger focus on their children's well-being. EXPLORE BETTER DIVORCE ACADEMY Website: https://betterdivorceacademy.com Discover resources and support to help you navigate divorce with more confidence, clarity, and a healthier path forward. If this episode resonates with you, share it with a parent who may need to hear this conversation. Subscribe to The Better Divorce Podcast for more expert insights on high-conflict divorce, co-parenting, family relationships, and building a better future after divorce. #ParentalAlienation #HighConflictDivorce #BetterDivorce