Children's Rights

As you proceed with the process of dissolving your martial relationship, parents should recognize and acknowledge the following minimum rights of their child (ren):

1. The right to a continuing relationship with both parents.
2. The right to be treated as an important human being with unique feelings, ideas, and desires.
3. The right to continuing care and guidance from both parents.
4. The right to know and appreciate what is good in each parent without one parent degrading the other.
5. The right to express love, affection, and respect for each parent without having to stifle that love because of fear of disapproval by the other parent.
6. The right to know that the parents' decision to divorce was not the responsibility of the child (ren).
7. The right to not be a source of argument between the parents.
8. The right to honest answers to questions about the changing family relationships.
9. The right to be able to experience regular and consistent contact with both parents and to know the reason for cancellation of time or change of plans.
10. The right to have a relaxed, secure relationship with both parents without being placed in a position to manipulate one parent against the other.