When parents with minor children divorce, in Tennessee or elsewhere in the country, questions of child custody can quickly become contentious. The couple may enter the divorce process with the best of intentions, but disagreement is at times inevitable.

For some couples, disagreement can be resolved through negotiation or other dispute-resolution techniques. For others, however, the conflict may simmer, boiling over into the children's relationship with the parents.

What Is Parental Alienation Syndrome?

Parental alienation syndrome is a controversial concept that details the changing relationships between divorcing parents and their child. Even when there is no strong reason for alienation, such as abuse, the child becomes the ally of one parent and rejects the other parent. This is due to the strong influence of one parent over the child's preferences and perceptions.

While some researchers and writers advocate for parental alienation syndrome as a widely accepted diagnosis, others argue that the concept lacks validity. Whatever the outcome of the debate, the syndrome seems to be gaining traction in the national consciousness.

How Can Parental Alienation Syndrome Be Avoided?

Parental alienation syndrome is not in the best interests of the child, who could be deprived of a nurturing relationship with one of his or her parents. It is therefore important, not just for the alienated parent but for the child, to prevent parental alienation syndrome.

Parents should be sure not to talk negatively about the other parent around the child. They should also cooperate with the other parent as much as possible, in addition to being vigilant about recognizing potential problems.

Nashville child custody disputes are difficult on parents in any case. But the more the parents are cognizant of the effects of their dispute on the children, and try to lessen the negative consequences of the dispute, parental alienation syndrome may be avoided.