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This is a quiz designed to give you a clue about how you are doing with your child. Now that you have read the answers and "tallied" your points, what do YOU think you could be doing better? Rate yourself. Try to see yourself as a parent through your child’s eyes. Would your child rate you as poor, fair, good, or excellent in terms of your handling of these typical situations? What changes would you like to make not only for the sake of your child, but for YOU, as well? We leave that determination up to you.

Folks who work with children of divorce, or with teens and young adults many years after the divorce, can tell you about the pain and losses that children felt and never revealed to their parents. It is not too late.

It is encouraging to know that parents who recognize their mistakes can model very important life lessons for children, by teaching them how to own up, to be honest and accountable. Children learn from their parents about the dignity of an apology. It is a valuable gift to show your child that no matter how difficult things may be, it is never too late to make a difference.

Click on the answer that best describes your parenting and co-parenting relationships. Select from each grouping.

My child’s other parent is very important to our child.

My child can do just fine without the other parent.

My child’s other parent should not have anything to do with my child.

My child knows that it upsets me to speak about the other parent in my presence.

I prefer that my child not talk about the other parent.

I encourage my child to talk freely about the other parent.

If it seems that my child is missing the other parent, I encourage a telephone call to the other parent.

I think the other parent should call only at specified times.

There are times when I call the other parent to let him/her know that our child would benefit from their phone call.

My child is better off not hearing from the other parent.

I have removed all the pictures or reminders of my child’s other parent.

My child is not allowed to have a picture of the other parent in his/her bedroom.

I think it’s good for my child to have pictures available of the other parent and extended family members.

I have placed pictures in an album or other special place for my child.

When the other parent wants to switch days or a weekend with me, I say:

No way.

What do I get in return?

If it doesn’t interfere with my plans, I probably agree.

Well, although a bit inconvenient, since the request is fair, and I may need the same consideration, I agree.

I know that our child would benefit, and agree.

AS THE CUSTODIAL parent, I think that:

I have the right to call all the shots.

I realize that cooperating as much as possible with the other parent is good for my child, and good for me, as well.

I am the better parent.

AS THE NON-CUSTODIAL parent, I think that:

If I don’t get what I want from the custodial parent, it’s ok to withhold a support payment, or be late to pick up our child.

People will think that I am not a good parent.

I have a responsibility to work as cooperatively with the other parent as I can for the sake of our child.

Choose any of these that best describes your thinking, if applicable:

If the other parent misses a support payment, then I have the right to cancel access for the other parent.

My child should know the reasons for the divorce.

Since I don’t want to have anything to do with the other parent, it is necessary for my child to carry messages.

My child has overheard numerous disputes between the other parent and me.

If my child loves me, then he/she will take my side.

Bill of Rights for Children

Parents on the Seesaw

What Parents Need to Know

Child Support Home


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