Mediate Michigan

It’s easy to get so caught up in the battles of divorce and the hassles of custody that you forget that your child has certain inalienable rights. A child of divorce, especially, needs to have his or her rights honored and respected.

All children deserve to be loved by their parents for who they are, not for what they do or how they behave. They have the right to experience all of their feelings and thoughts, both positive and negative, and they have the right to express those feelings and thoughts to you, even if you don’t agree with them. Children have the right to ask questions and receive honest answers, and they have the right to be treated respectfully in all circumstances. And finally, children have the right to and the need for a childhood unburdened by your responsibilities.

Every child also benefits from having a relationship with both parents. It is critical to acknowledge to your child the importance of his or her other parent, even if you think your ex is a jerk. Having a parent move out can be emotionally devastating. If you create an even bigger distance between your child and his or her other parent by getting in the way of their relationship, it will take your child much longer to adjust to the divorce.

Here are some guidelines to help you meet the needs of your child:

1. Your child has a right to protection from your arguments with your ex.

While you know not to criticize your ex in front of your child, maybe your ex hasn’t gotten the message.

via Julie A. Ross, M.A: A Divorced Child’s Bill of Rights.