The Children's Bill of RIGHTS!!!

      All children shall enjoy the following inalienable rights:

1. The right to be treated as important human beings, with unique feelings, ideas and desires and 
not as a source of argument between parents.

2. The right to a sense of security and belonging derived from a loving and nurturing environment
which shelters them from harm.

3. The right to a continuing relationship with both parents and the freedom to receive love from 
and express love for both.

4. The right to "listening" parents.

5. The right to express love and affection for each parent without having to stifle that love because 
of fear of disapproval by the other parent.

6. The right to grow and flourish in an atmosphere free of exploitation, abuse and neglect.

7. The right to know that their parents' decision to divorce is not their responsibility and that 
they will still be able to live with each parent.

8. The right to continuing care and guidance from both parents where they can be educated in 
mind, nourished in spirit, and developed in body, in an environment of unconditional love.

9. The right to honest answers to questions about changing family relationships.

10. The right to know and appreciate what is good in each parent without one parent degrading 
the other.

11. The right to have a relaxed, secure relationship with both parents without being placed in a 
position to manipulate one parent against the other.

12. The right to have one parent not undermine time with the other parent by suggesting tempting alternatives
or by threatening to withhold activities with the other parents as a punishment for the children's wrongdoing.

13. The right to be able to experience regular and consistent parental contact and the right to 
know the reason for not having regular contact.

14. The right to be a kid and to be insulated from the conflict and problems of parents.

15. The right to be taught, according to their developmental levels, to understand values, to 
assume responsibility for their actions, and to cope with the just consequences of their choices.

16. The right to be able to participate in their own destiny.


Ratify these rights for your children and you will give them better protection than any law could 
ever provide.

From Putting Kids First: Walking Away From a Marriage Without Walking Over the Kids 
by Michael Oddenino, attorney for the Children's Rights Council.