Parental Alienation Syndrome #6,#7, #8

This is the last in the series of blog entries about Parental Alienation Syndrome and the findings of Dr. Richard Gardner, MD. In this entry, I discuss Symptoms #6, #7 and #8.

For the other symptoms, please refer to early blog entries.

Symptom #6 -- ABSENCE OF GUILT OVER CRUELY AND EXPLOITATION OF THE ALIENATED PARENT

Children afflicted with PAS feel no guilt remorse when “putting down” the Target parent. In a normal family scenario, such abuse would result in some manner of punishment; however, in the PAS scenario the Alienating parent will support, and even rewards the verbal and or emotional abuse of the Target parent.

Any attempt to highlight the hurt and sadness of the Target parent is ignored, and any further attempt to maintain contact and nurture the parent-child relationship is seen as harassment. PAS children will go so far as to return greeting cards and gifts sent by the Target parent, or even destroy such items in the presence of the Target parent.

PAS children often want to ensure that Child Support payments are paid on time to the “loved” parent, but refuse a relationship with the payor. The PAS child may feel that the payor does not deserve a relationship with the child and that the payments are punitive.

Symptom # 7 -- PRESENCE OF BORROWED SCENARIOS

PAS children may describe fictitious scenarios of wrong-doing by the “bad” parent, and may use words that are not part of the child’s regular vocabulary. In the extreme, a child may make such serious accusations that the Target parent may be investigated by the police and any prospect for contact with the child will be lost permanently.

Symptom #8 -- THE SPREAD OF THE ANIMOSITY TO EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Parental Alienation can spread, and a child may choose to distance him or herself from the extended family of the Target parent.  In extreme cases, a child’s anger and hatred towards the Target parent will spill over into animosity towards grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so on.

Parental Alienation Awareness Day around the world is marked on April 25^th.  If you feel that you are a Target parent and that your child has been affected by Parental Alienation Syndrome, know that you are not alone! Seek help and endeavor to rebuild the parent-child relationship. There are numerous support groups and caring professionals in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia and throughout the world that can help start the healing process.