Distant Dads: Parental Ailenation Syndrome

As a non-custodial parent myself who is in the middle of a custody issue I am always aware of the things that are affecting ym children. In doing some research I found this, from Lawyers.com. In my situation I found this to fit my situation to the letter.

You may be in a similar situation, what you should also know is that most states, have laws against this type of behavior, the difficulty is getting others to buy into it due to the tendancy to give lenience towards the mother. However, I thought may be useful for some of you. - It is kind of long, so I will divide it into several posts. 1. warning signs 2. Causes 3. How does it occur 4. what an ailenated child looks like 5. what you should do.

Parental ailenationSyndrom: Warning signs:
by:
Sherrie Bennett

As a divorced parent, you worry when the other parent makes derogatory remarks and tries to give your child a negative image of you. But when do mere derogatory remarks turn into a harmful psychological phenomenon that psychologists have labeled the "parental alienation syndrome"?

Parental alienation syndrome occurs when one parent's efforts to consciously or unconsciously brainwash a child combine with the child's own bad-mouthing of the other parent. In severe cases, the child will not want to see or talk to the alienated parent.
Once the alienation reaches such a point, it is difficult to reverse, and permanent damage is done to the child and to the relationship between the child and the alienated parent.
Warning Signs of Parental Alienation
How can you tell if your ex is attempting to alienate your child? Here are some warning symptoms psychologists have observed in children suffering from parental alienation syndrome, according to Dr. Douglas Darnall, Ph.D:

Giving a child a choice as to whether or not to visit with the other parent.
Telling the child details about the marital relationship or reasons for the divorce.
Refusing to acknowledge that the child has property and may want to transport possessions between residences.
Resisting or refusing to cooperate by not allowing the other parent access to school or medical records and schedules of extracurricular activities.
One parent blaming the other parent for financial problems, breaking up the family, changes in lifestyle, or having a girlfriend or boyfriend.
Refusing to be flexible with the visitation schedule in order to respond to the child's needs, or scheduling the child in so many activities that the other parent is never given the time to visit.
Assuming that if a parent has been physically abusive with the other parent, it follows that the parent will assault the child. This assumption is not always true.
Asking the child to choose one parent over the other.
The alienating parent encouraging any natural anger the child has toward the other parent.
A parent or stepparent suggesting changing the child's name or having the stepparent adopt the child.
When the child cannot give reasons for being angry towards a parent or gives reasons that are vague and without any details.
Using a child to spy or covertly gather information for the parent's own use.
Arranging temptations that interfere with the other parent's visitation.
Reacting with hurt or sadness to a child having a good time with the other parent.
Asking the child about the other parent's personal life.
Physically or psychologically rescuing a child when there is no threat to their safety.
Making demands on the other parent that are contrary to court orders.
Listening in on the child's phone conversation with the other parent.