The last thing you expect when you pick up your child from your ex’s home is to hear that your ex is speaking negatively about you to your child. This can be incredibly upsetting and may leave you unsure how to proceed. If this reflects your circumstances, understanding how to respond to your child is critical to help ensure they are not impacted by any conflict that arises when your ex speaks negatively about you. Additionally, you’ll discover when it may be time to work with a Somerset County family law attorney for guidance in these difficult matters.
What Should I Do if My Ex Speaks Negatively About Me to Our Children?
When you discover that your ex-partner has been speaking about you in a negative way to your children, it’s important to understand how to proceed. Though your first instinct may be to get angry and badmouth them back, this is not recommended. Your child may feel conflicted and guilty already, and when you speak poorly about your ex, it can cause these feelings to become overwhelming. You’ll find that often, children who are stuck between feuding, angry parents can become anxious, resentful, and overwhelmed by these matters. As such, doing what you can to leave your child out of the conflict is critical. When your child relays something negative your ex said, you should listen to your child and remain calm. Acknowledge their feelings and reaffirm how much you love them and how your goal is to provide for them above all else.
You can explain to your child that sometimes when people are upset or angry, they say things they don’t mean or that aren’t true. This can be a learning experience for your child about the importance of empathy. Explain that even though the things said aren’t true, they can still be upsetting, and that it’s okay to be upset. You can use this as a way to have an open conversation with your child about their feelings during these times.
When Should I Contact a Lawyer?
Unfortunately, in some instances, you’ll find that your ex may be intentionally attempting to alienate your child from you. This is known as parental alienation and can be incredibly difficult for both the child and the impacted parent to navigate. This can lead to your child forming an unhealthy relationship with you, being avoidant and combative, or flat-out refusing to have a relationship with you because they are manipulated by the other parent.
If you believe your child is a victim of parental alienation at the hands of your ex, you should connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can help you explore your legal options during these matters and represent you in any legal action that arises.
At the Siragusa Law Firm, our team understands how upsetting it can be when your ex tells your children details about the divorce or lies about you. That is why our firm is committed to helping you through these difficult times to fight for the best possible outcome. Whether you need help understanding your rights during mediation or you want to seek court intervention, we can assist. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
