Mail box replies

The question was submitted Saturday, 20 June 2009

Subject: parental alienation

i'm a mother or four beauriful kids aged from 17 to 9. My ex husband has manipulated and emotionaly abused my kids to hate me. i have no crimminal convictons and am a law abiding citizen who pay's her taxes and child support. My dilemma and sadness is the lack of support and consistancy of pursueing my stuation. I feel powerless and lonely as what to do and who to turn to regarding my situation. Please can someone advise me, do I have right to have relatonship with my kids that think they should hate me?

Answer from DepNet

Dear Parental Alienation,

There is no doubt that loss of the affections of our children is a very sad situation but your question of having the “right to have a relationship” is a philosophical and legal issue rather than a medical one. As such, I don’t feel I can respond to it on this Forum.

In terms of the distress it causes psychotherapy from either a psychologist or psychiatrist or support from Life Line, Relationships Australia or similar Organizations may well be worthwhile.

The answer was published on DepNet Tuesday, 23 June 2009