The Next Steps Coaching LLC

Parental alienation isn’t always loud—it’s often subtle. I took my daughters to Build-A-Bear, made memories, and sent pictures. Weeks later, their mother threw the bears away and returned the photos. “They don’t play with them,” she said. That’s how subtle alienation works—erasing gifts, returning memories, dismissing presence. But fathers must stay consistent. Your love and legacy matter, even when someone tries to erase them. Keep showing up.

Sometimes the root of your co-parent’s hostility isn’t anger—it’s jealousy. Not because you’ve moved on romantically, but because your children genuinely love and admire you, and deep down, your co-parent wants that kind of bond too. In high-conflict situations, this hidden jealousy can fuel sabotage, gatekeeping, and passive-aggressive behavior.

Parental alienation is one of the most heartbreaking challenges a father can face in a high-conflict custody situation. You show up, follow the court order, and stay involved—yet your child begins to withdraw, act distant, or even refuse to see you. It’s not just rejection. It’s manufactured resistance—often rooted in manipulation by the other parent. This experience is not only painful, it's confusing, isolating, and deeply unfair.

What Is Pregnancy Depression in Fathers? While maternal depression during and after pregnancy is widely discussed, paternal prenatal and...

..counter-parenting is often fueled by personal resentment, differences in values, or a desire to exert control over the parenting dynamic.

A cozy family moment as a mother shares a story with her sons and new partner, building new connections and cherished memories together....

Teach kids accountability with clear expectations, natural consequences, and grace. Build character and responsibility today!

It's there lingering like a splinter that you just can't get. You can tell there is something off with your co-parent, but they say,...

"It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Fredrick Douglass. As fathers, we play an important role in shaping our...

In today's digital age, video games have evolved beyond just entertainment; they have become a "3rd space" for many children. But what...

High-conflict co-parenting can be a challenging landscape to navigate, especially when you want to remain actively involved in your...