CULLMAN – On Friday, April 15, Cullman Mayor Max A. Townson officially proclaimed the week of April 24-30, 2016 Parental Alienation Prevention Week and April 25, 2016 as “Bubbles of Love” Day in the City of Cullman.
Parental alienation is the term used to describe any number of behaviors and attitudes on the part of one parent that are designed to interfere, damage or destroy the relationship a child has with their other parent. It's a form of abuse that causes emotional trauma to children. It deprives children of their right to freely love and be loved by both parents and extended family and robs children of their sense of security. Mental professionals agree that the negative effects of parental alienation can follow a child into adulthood, often with tragic consequences.
The Alabama Family Rights Association (ALFRA) seeks to bring awareness and educate the public about parental alienation. Through awareness, social attitudes can be changed. Parental Alienation Prevention Week is intended to increase the knowledge and understanding of this problem to help Alabamians, institutions, the legal and mental health community and leaders to better identify and combat such abusive behavior to children. The ALFRA believes that children should be able to freely express the meaning of F.A.M.I.L.Y. = Father And Mother, I Love You.
Townson encouraged everyone to learn more about this issue. “Children deserve to be raised in healthy environments where they feel loved and secure by both parents,” said Townson. “I commend those who work to educate the public on this issue, and to help those families in our community and our state who are affected by it.”
The ALFRA has a special request again this year for Parental Alienation Day (Bubbles of Love Day) on April 25, 2016. They ask that people stop what they’re doing at noon that day and blow soap bubbles (inside or outside) for 10 minutes. Each bubble blown will represent the love children have – a love that they should be allowed to share with both parents.
For more information on these issues, visit http://alfra.org/.
