Bill of Rights for Children of Divorce

  1. The right to be treated as important human beings, with unique feelings, ideas, desires and not as a source of argument between parents.
  2. The right to a continuing relationship with both parents and the freedom to receive love from and express love for both.
  3. The right to express love and affection for each parent without having to stifle that love because of fear and disapproval by the other parent.
  4. The right to know that their parents’ decision to divorce is not their responsibility; and to know how the parents will share time with the child, and where the child will live.
  5. The right to continuing care and guidance from both parents.
  6. The right to obtain honest answers to questions about the changing family relationships.
  7. The right to know and appreciate what is good in each parent without one parent degrading the other.
  8. The right to have a relaxed, secure relationship with both parents without being placed in a position to manipulate one parent against the other.
  9. The right to have the custodial parent not under mine the child’s access to the other parent, by suggesting tempting alternatives or by threaten ing to withhold access as a punishment for the child’s wrongdoing.
  10. The right to be able to experience regular and consistent access and the right to know the reason for a cancelled commitment.