A Children's Bill of Rigthts in Divorce

During a divorce, children are often put in the middle of their parents' dispute, which can cause a deep and emotional impact on a child. To protect your children's rights during your divorce, you must work with your ex-spouse and constantly be aware of your words and how you treat each other. It is important to remember that your children are not peacemakers and should never be put in the middle of your divorce. The following is adapted from The Truth About Children, Dealing With Emotions So You and Your Children Can Thrive, Emery, Robert E., 2004, Viking Penguin.

A Children's Bill of Rights In A Divorce

1. The right to love and be loved by both of her parents without feeling guilt or disapproval.
   
2. The right to be protected from his parents' anger with each other.
   
3. The right to be kept out of the middle of his parents' conflict, including the right not to pick sides, carry messages, or hear complaints about the other parent.
   
4. The right not to have to choose one of her parents over the other.
   
5. The right not to have to be responsible for the burden of either of the parents' emotional problems.
   
6. The right to know well in advance about important changes that will affect his life; for example, when one of his parents is going to move or get remarried.
   
7. The right to reasonable financial support during her childhood and thorugh her college years.
   
8. The right to have feelings, to express his feelings, and to have both parents listen to how he feels.
   
9. The right to have a life that is as close as possible to what it would have been if her parents had stayed together.
   
10. The right to be a kid.