Everyone has rights, including your children. They have a right to be treated as children and not to become involved in their parents’ battles or other “adult business.” Over the years, various forms of a Children’s Bill of Rights have appeared. These “rights” are not law, and, in general they are not enforceable in any court. Especially in time of divorce and custody battles, however, parents have a duty to protect their children from adult conflict and stress.
Here is one version of the Children’s Bill of Rights:
- The right not to be asked to choose sides between parents.
- The right not to be told the details of bitter or nasty legal proceedings going on between parents.
- The right not to be told bad things about the other parent’s personality or character.
- The right to privacy when talking to the other parent on the phone.
- The right not to be cross-examined by the other parent on the phone.
- The right not to be asked to be a messenger from one parent to the other
- The right not to be asked by one parent to tell the other parent untruths.
- The right not to be used as a confidant regarding the legal proceedings between the parents.
- The right to express feelings, whatsoever those feeling may be.
- The right to choose not to express certain feelings.
- The right to be protected from parental warfare.
- The right to avoid parents’ arguments in front of the children.
- The right to have both parents informed of special ceremonies or events.
- The right not be made to feel guilty for loving both parents.
Concerned About Your Child’s Rights?
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