I saw this picture on my Facebook group page. It visually portrays how we try to protect our children, and they don’t know the harm around them – which is how it should be. Long may they be children, innocent and carefree!
Unfortunately, the alienating parent’s perception of the world as being ‘shark infested’ and dangerous is shared with the child. Namely, they’re told they should be protected from us, a loving parent. The only ‘dangerous waters’ for our child are the ones full of manipulation, emotional turmoil, fractured relationships with us, and trauma bonds with the ‘favoured’ parent.
The child doesn’t see the trouble they’re in. They’re enmeshed and aligned with the alienating parent and may not, for some time, perceive it’s not as calm as they believe. It’s turbulent, and the psychological abuse hides beneath the surface.
The challenge lies in bridging the gap between the children’s perception and the actual risks they face. Sadly, they have to see it for themselves. They have to tread water, trying to survive this experience and we have to as well. We have to become like lighthouses showing them the way.
#charliemccready
#parentalalienationcoach
#CoerciveControl
#selfcare

