I recently read a book called “Mom’s House Dad’s House” by Isolina Ricci. I have recommended it to many clients because it is valuable in helping to change your mindset as it relates to your divorce. It had many “a-ha” moments throughout the book, but the one that really struck me was the “Family Bill of Rights” that I encourage my clients to implement in their binuclear households:
- Each child has the right to have two homes where he or she is cherished and given the opportunity to develop normally.
- Each child has the right to a meaningful, nurturing relationship with each parent.
- Each parent and child has the right to call themselves a family regardless of how the children’s time is divided.
- Each parent has the responsibility and right to contribute to the raising of his or her child.
- Each child has the right to have competent parents and to be free from hearing, observing, or being part of their parents’ arguments or problems with one another.
- Each parent has the right to his or her own private life and territory and to raise the children without unreasonable interference from the other parent.
If you live by this Bill, your children will be well suited to grow up with happy and healthy family relationships despite your separation and/or divorce.
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