To be told that my father and mother love me and will never divorce me.

 

To be told that the divorce is not my fault, and not be told about the adult problems that caused it.

 

To be considered as a human being, and not as another piece of property to be fought for, bargained over or threatened.

 

To have decisions about me based on what is in my best interests, not on past wrongs, hurt feelings, or my parents needs.

 

To be allowed to love both my mother and father without being forced to choose or feel guilty.

 

To know both my father and mother through regular and frequent involvement in my life.

 

To have financial support of both my father and my mother.

 

To be spared having to listen to bad, harmful comments about either of my parents which have no useful purpose.

 

To be a child and not be asked to tell a lie or act as a spy or messenger.

 

To be allowed to have affection for the other people who may come into my life without being forced to choose or feel guilty.

*reprinted from the Milwaukee Journal, March 12, 1995.