Gardner's stages of parental alienation

Gardner's stages of parental alienation outline how one parent can influence a child to reject the other parent. It begins with mild expressions of negativity, progressing to the child displaying strong hostility toward the targeted parent, often echoing the alienating parent's negative views. The alienated parent struggles to connect with the child, leading to emotional distance. This situation can escalate, with the child fully embracing the alienation, resulting in a significant rift in the parent-child relationship. Understanding these stages helps recognize and address unhealthy dynamics in family interactions, aiming to foster healthier relationships post-separation.