Bill of Rights for Children of Separation or Divorce

1. Children of divorce are entitled to parents who set aside at least 20 minutes each month to discuss, in person or on the phone, the progress and problems of the children – and only the children. There should be no recriminations about any other topic, such as money. 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 other important holidays. The parents should also both go to the school events important to the child.

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

4. Children of divorce are entitled to have parents who refrain from any action which 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 ex-partner's spending, dating or other activities. If children freely choose to chat about the other parent, that is another matter.

6. Children of divorce are entitled to have complete freedom to phone either parent. If distances are involved, the calls will be collect. The children's parents will also agree that is permissable for the noncustodial parent to call his or her children as least one a week.

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 child.