Cities around Alabama mark 'Parental Alienation Prevention Week'

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Many cities around Alabama have proclaimed April 22 through the 28 as Parental Alienation Prevention week. It's a week to make sure all children feel free to love both of their parents without restrictions.

"About 40,000 children in Alabama are affected by parental alienation," said Alabama Family Rights Association President Kenneth Paschal.

Parental Alienation is a term used to describe any behavior or attitude that damages the relationship a child has with his parent. It's often associated with divorce, but it can happen even with intact families, and experts say it can have traumatic effects on children.

"Experts say this is the worst form of child abuse that many people are unaware of," Paschal said.

The Alabama Family Rights Association considers it a form of child abuse.

"Alienation can severely damage or destroy a child's relationship with a parent," said Debbie Zeiger, Vice President of the Alabama Family Rights Association.

AFRA encourages courthouses, churches, businesses, daycare centers, schools, libraries and others to display a Tree of Love in your place of work or business, saying children should be encouraged to freely love both parents regardless of their parents' marital status.

On Wednesday, AFRA is leading a moment at noon to blow "Bubbles for Love" and encouraging all who participate to take a photo or video and post it on social media using #BubblesForLove.

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