The following is a sample template for a Code of Conduct for use in co-parenting:

The parents agree to the best of their ability to follow the code of conduct set out below in order to ensure that ____________ and   ____________  have the best opportunity to grow into happy, resilient and responsible young adults.

A New Family Bill of Rights (from Isolina Ricci: Mom’s House, Dad’s House)

• Each child has the right to have two homes where 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 parent’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 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.

What Kids Need To Hear (from Barbara Coloroso: Parenting Through Crisis)

• They still have a family.

• They will have two homes, one with Mom and one with Dad.

• Both parents will always love them and take care of them.

• The kids did not cause the divorce. This is an adult problem.

• They will not be left in the dark about any decision that will affect them.

• Their feelings will be acknowledged and considered. However, the adults will make the decisions, based on the children’s best interests.

• They will not be asked to choose one parent over the other, to act as a messenger or as a spy.

• They will not be treated as another piece of property to be fought for, bargained over, or seized.

• They will have the financial support of both parents.

Parent 1:                                                                          Parent 2:

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