Special to the
Opelika Observer
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller proclaims April 21 to 27 as Parental Alienation Prevention Week, and April 25 as “Bubbles for Love Day”
The term parental alienation is used to describe any number of behaviors and attitudes on the part of one parent, both parents, or third party designed to interfere with, damage or destroy the relationship a child has with their other parent. It is a form of abuse that causes emotional trauma to children.
Parental alienation can arise from divorce, child custody situations and even with intact families. It is evidenced by the alienating behaviors of a person, such as a parent, family members, or as a result of the judicial system restricting the relationship between a child and a loving parent.
Alienation can severely damage or destroy a child’s relationship with a parent.
The most common symptom of children affected by parental alienation “is a child’s rejection of a loving parent who has done nothing to warrant that rejection, and it is at the behest of the other parent,” according to expert Linda Kase-Gottlieb.
The Alabama Family Rights Association and Exchange Club of Shelby County are working to bring awareness to parental alienation, so every child is free to love both parents.
For more information, call 256-580-8194 or visit www.alfra.org.