Single Parent Children Divorce/Separation Bill of Rights

• The right to openly express love for both Mom and Dad.
• The right to have the address and telephone number of the non-custodial parent.
• The right not to be blamed for the divorce/separation.
• The right to be cared for properly both emotionally and physically.
• The right to be listened to and accepted as a person with feelings and needs.
• The right not to be placed in the position of “negative message carrier”.
• The right not to be asked to be the “family spy”.
• The right not to be told negative information about their parent or grandparent.
• The right to be informed of decisions that involve them and the reasons as to why and how they were made.
• The right to honest answers to their questions as best as you are able.
• The right not to be interrogated after a visit with the other parent.
• The right not to be asked to lie or cover up for a parent.
• The right to the knowledge of the “nuts and bolts” of the custody arrangements.
• The right not to be used as a weapon of anger to the former spouse.
• The right to heal properly from the hurt and pain that accompanies a separation/divorce.
• The right to remain active in both parent’s lives.
• The right to understand that their parents are human, too, and are also  experiencing great hurt.
• The right to know, understand and believe that they are still part of a family and that this family now has two locations.
•  The right to be loved unconditionally.
  
  — excerpted with permission from “Compassionate Companion” by Suzy Yehl Marta