Bill of Rights for Children of Divorce

1. Children of divorce are entitled to parents who set aside at least 20 minutes every month to discuss the progress and problems of the children. The children’s schoolwork, health, mental state, activities, and apparent reaction to the divorce should be the focus of such talks.

2. Children of divorce are entitled to parents who go out to dinner together with them, if desired by the child, on their birthdays or on important holidays. The parents should also both go to important school events.

3. Children of divorce are entitled to have parents who do not belittle the other parent in front of the children.

4. Children of divorce are entitled to have parents who refrain from any action that would seem to force the children to take sides.

5. Children of divorce are entitled to be free from any sense of pressure from either parent to serve as informants about the other parent’s spending, dating, or other activities.

6. Children of divorce are entitled to have complete freedom to phone either parent. It should also be permissible for the other parent to call his or her children.

7. Children of divorce are entitled to have parents who agree to notify each other in all emergencies or important events involving the children.

8. Children of divorce are entitled to have parents who by agreement are civil and avoid recriminations when they are in the presence of the children.