The Bill Of Rights for Children Whose Parents are Separated or Divorced

• The right not to be asked to "choose sides" between their parents.
• The right not to be told the details of bitter or nasty legal proceedings going on between their parents.
• The right not to be told "bad things" about the other parent's personality or character or behavior.
• The right to privacy when talking to either parent on the telephone.
• The right not to be cross-examined by one parent after visiting the other parent.
• 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, whatever these feelings may be.
• The right to choose not to express certain feelings.
• The right to be protected from parental warfare.
• The right not to be made to feel guilty for loving both parents.

This information appeared in a recent newsletter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and was provided to me by my daughter, Dr. Laura K. Grubb, a Board Certified Pediatrician.