Your Child's Bill of Rights
Your child is entitled to enjoy the following rights:
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The right to be treated as an important human being, with unique feelings, ideas and desires and not as a source of argument between parents.
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The right to a sense of security and belonging derived from a loving and nurturing environment which shelters them from harm.
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The right to a continuing relationship with both parents and the freedom to receive love from and express love for both.
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The right to parents who will listen to and show respect for what their child has to say.
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The right to express love and affection for each parent without having to stifle that love because of fear of disapproval by the other parent.
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The right to grow and flourish in an atmosphere free of exploitation, abuse and neglect.
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The right to know their parents' decision to divorce is not their responsibility and they will still be able to live with each parent.
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The right to continuing care and guidance from both parents where they can be educated in mind, nourished in spirit, and developed in body, in an environment of unconditional love.
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The right to receive developmentally appropriate answers to questions about changing family relationships.
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The right to know and appreciate what is good in each parent without one parent degrading the other.
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The right to have a relaxed, secure relationship with both parents without being placed in a position to manipulate one parent against the other.
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The right to have one parent not undermine time with the other parent by suggesting tempting alternatives or by threatening to withhold activities with the other parent as a punishment for the child's wrongdoing.
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The right to be able to experience regular and consistent parental contact and the right to know, in a developmentally appropriate manner, the reason for not having regular contact.
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The right to be a child and to be insulated from the conflict and problems of parents.
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The right to be taught, according to developmental levels, to understand values, to assume responsibility for their actions, and to cope with the just consequences of their choices.
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The right to be able to participate in their own destiny.
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The right not to be used as a messenger or spy between parents.
**Adapted from www.makinghomeswork.com**
