A Mother’s Silent Pain

During a recent session, a client’s story lingered with me. Years ago, she left a relationship marked by controlling dynamics, raising three children alone. A legal separation offered little relief—behind the scenes, pain persists, not from the split itself, but from what followed. Parental alienation unfolds unchecked, wounding her and her children, who know no better.

Two children, now adults, are no longer welcome at their father’s. The third visits on weekends and holidays, returning each time changed—exhausted, distant, unreachable. The mother is at a loss, bound by an unspoken rule not to speak ill of their father. It twists inside her, a quiet agony.

Years ago, during my coaching training in the UK, I saw this pattern too often: desperate mothers, hearts heavy for their children. Despite laws against such practices, they continue unnoticed, unpunished. Those meant to help turn away or pretend all is well. What message does this send to future generations? How much suffering could we prevent with timely intervention? Is this behavior becoming the norm?

I’d value your insights. How can we better support families in these shadows? What steps might shift this cycle?

#ParentalAlienation #Compassion #SocialAwareness