"We just had to get closer to the father's house ... (VIII)"

Transitions between parents' homes should be calm for children, but parental alienation complicates this. A mother describes her son's behavioral changes during these transitions, noting he becomes withdrawn and oppositional as they approach his father's house. This shift suggests he feels pressured to hide his happiness from time spent with her. The emotional strain of switching homes can lead to anxiety, especially when children feel they must choose loyalty between parents. The mother reflects on the brief time they have together, which is overshadowed by the impending separation. Observing children during these transitions is crucial for understanding their emotional state and the impact of parental conflict.