Dear Abby columns spotlight parental alienation, custody gaps

A trio of Dear Abby columns underscore the lasting pain of parental alienation and the need for clear, child-focused co-parenting strategies after a breakup. The most detailed case involves a father who left his wife after years of controlling religious beliefs and describes losing contact with his daughters, with Abby stressing the value of seeking court-manded partial custody or visitation to prevent further alienation. Readers are reminded that children often interpret parental conflict through a limited lens, so reassuring them of both parents’ love and avoiding taking sides is crucial for healthy adjustment. Practical guidance includes discouraging retaliation or public criticism of aExes, acknowledging understandable emotions, and focusing conversations on the child’s welfare rather than adult grievances. In broader advice, Abby advises setting boundaries, living with the reality of the situation, and prioritizing consistent, compassionate communication to minimize longterm damage to the parent-child relationship.