Here’s my review of this indispensable book, Divorce Poison by Dr. Richard Warshak. This book was truly a lifesaver and helped me save the relationship with my daughter, Divorce Poison by Dr. Richard Warshak.
Is your once kind child saying hateful things to you? Is your child rejecting you? Refusing to see you?
Those are huge warning signs you cannot afford to brush off. Yes, we all think that our divorce will be congenial and both sides will put the child first, but emotions have a way of screwing up even the most amicable split.
But you and your spouse are respectful. You’re getting along.
I don’t care. Read this book.
Yes, we all think that our divorce will be congenial and both sides will put the child first, but emotions have a way of screwing up even the most amicable split.
And so you need to read this book so that you can detect the warning signs of parental alienation. A fancy way of saying that your spouse is trying to turn your child against you.
If you are going through a divorce, or know someone who is, I hope that you’ll share this book. It’s a MUST read for anyone who shares custody of a child.
The book is Divorce Poison: How to Protect Your Family from Bad-mouthing and Brainwashing by Dr. Richard A. Warshak.
Divorce Poison is the definitive guide on preventing parental alienation; where one parent seeks to turn their child against the other parent. It’s common in divorce and incredibly damaging to children and the relationship with one parent.
How can you tell if your ex is trying to turn your child against you?
Here are some signs:
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A once loving child is suddenly rude and constantly bashing one parent.
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The child rejects one parent while idolizing the other.
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One parent is all bad. The other parent; perfect.
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The child who once had a close loving relationship with the parent now refuses to see them.
Be careful. These are all signs of parental alienation at work.
The child, even though acting out, is the victim. The real perpetrator is the angry parent seeking to break the bond between parent and child.
This book gives details examples of how to spot alienation at work, the motives behind alienation and why your spouse might be attempting this, plus strategies to re-establish a bond with a child who’s been brainwashed.
Dr. Warshak gives you the knowledge to counteract relationship sabotage and heal your damaged relationship. He also has a chapter devoted to deciding when it’s time to seek professional help.
The book’s most important advice is this: confront it. React. Respond. Don’t turn away and think that alienation will go away. Inaction and silence don’t work.
The author’s website, www.warshak.com, has resources and recommendations for families dealing with alienation. (The author even has a DVD series for kids who’ve been the victim of alienation, Welcome Back, Pluto, available on his website.)
Even if your divorce is drama free, be prepared and get a copy. Being aware of the warning signs could save your relationship with your child if parental alienation ever begins.
Divorce Poison has a powerful message: If you are losing the loving relationship with your child, fight back before it is too late.
Have you experienced alienation in the relationship with your child? How have you handled it? If you have, please share your experiences.
–Rosie