Note:  While I tend to avoid scientifically defining some behavioral issues as "syndromes" or "disorders",  there is no question that the subject of Parental Alienation is a huge problem for many children of broken homes, even if you want to leave off the "syndrome". 

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a condition that arises primarily in the context of child custody disputes, and it's primary manifestation is the child's campaign of denigration against a parent, and is a campaign that has no justification.  According to Dr. Richard A. Gardner who is largely responsible for coining the phrase, and defining the syndrome, it is a combination of two contributing factors: (1) programming ("brainwashing") of the child by one parent to denigrate the other parent, and (2) self-created contributions by the child in support of the alienating parent's campaign of denigration against the alienated parent.  The term is often used interchangeably with indoctrination, programming or brainwashing. When in fact, it refers only to the situation in which the parental programming is combined with the child's own scenarios of disparagement of the vilified parent.

However, according to Gardner, the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) disorder is not applicable nor a valid explanation in cases where true child abuse and/or neglect is present because the child's animosity and/or hostility towards the target parent may be justified.

In layman's terms, it is the result of one or both parent's attempt to turn their child(ren) against the other parent. It is a strategy used in many child custody cases, in an effort to encourage the child to express a parental preference to an amicus attorney or family counselor, in order to affect the outcome of the family court judge's finding.  It's not always easy to identify, even as a professional.  But you may begin to recognize the child's contribution in the form of these signs, according to Gardner:

• The child denigrates the alienated parent with foul language and severe oppositional behavior.
• The child offers weak, absurd, or frivolous reasons for his or her anger.
• The child is sure of him or herself and doesn't demonstrate ambivalence, i.e. love and hate for the alienated parent, only hate.
• The child exhorts that he or she alone came up with ideas of denigration. The "independent-thinker" phenomenon is where the child asserts that no one told him to do this.
• The child supports and feels a need to protect the alienating parent.
• The child does not demonstrate guilt over cruelty towards the alienated parent.
• The child uses borrowed scenarios, or vividly describes situations that he or she could not have experienced.
• Animosity is spread to the friends and/or extended family of the alienated parent.

So if you suspect that the other parent is contributing to the alienation of your child(ren), you must immediately get to the bottom of it.  Most professionals will recommend that you:

• Complete a comprehensive parenting course to help you deal more maturely and calmly with the PAS child.
• Keep a diary or journal of key events, describing what happened and when. This will not only help you recognize developing patterns, but may come in handy when you get to court.
• Be prepared to present to the court with a comprehensive parenting plan that shows how well the child will be cared for while with you.
• Seek a court ordered family counselor for the  child(ren) who specialize in PAS
• Continue to be the best parent that you can possibly be.