by Affia Sunday

The use of children as revenge pawns against an ex-partner is a troubling phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common. It can have a serious and long-lasting impact on the mental and emotional health of the children involved, as well as their relationship with their parents.

Children are not revenge pawns, and it is crucial to recognize and protect their innocence from being used as a tool for vengeance or manipulation. Children are vulnerable and impressionable, and it is essential to safeguard their well-being by ensuring they are not coerced or forced into believing false stories or accusations of abuse. Using a child's innocence as a means of seeking revenge or manipulating outcomes is not only morally wrong but also detrimental to their psychological and emotional well-being.

When a parent uses their child as a weapon against their ex, it creates a sense of instability in the child’s life. They may feel as if they are being treated as a pawn in their parents’ conflict, or they may feel like they have to choose between their parents. This can lead to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and confusion in the child, and can have a significant impact on their self-esteem.

When a child is used as a pawn in a parent’s revenge, they can become emotionally shut off from both parents, making it difficult for them to form healthy relationships with either. This can cause them to feel isolated, helpless, and overwhelmed. Children may become resentful of the parent who is using them as a weapon, feeling as if they have been unfairly manipulated and used. This can lead to a breakdown in trust between the parent and child, making it impossible for the parent to effectively parent the child.

Finally, when a parent uses their child as revenge against an ex, it can cause the child to become fearful of the other parent. This fear can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including refusal to see the other parent or refusal to talk about the other parent. This can have serious and long-term effects on the child’s well-being.

It is important to remember that children should never be used as a weapon in a parent’s conflict, and that it is a parent’s responsibility to protect their child from being used in this way. Children's innocence should be protected from vengeful manipulation, as using them as pawns for revenge or any form of manipulation is morally wrong and can have long-term consequences on their mental health and overall well-being.