Sometimes grown-ups say: “You have a voice, not a choice.”

That can sound confusing, so let’s break it down.

Some things are not choices, because they are important for kids:

These things help keep you safe, healthy, and growing.

But even when you don’t get to choose if something happens, you still have a voice.

Your voice means:

💛 Your voice matters.

Your Voice vs. Your Choice

Example:
You have to go to school — that’s not a choice.
But you might get to choose:

That’s your voice!

Spending time with each parent can be like that too.
It may not always be a choice — but your feelings still matter.

Most kids do best when they can spend time with both parents, as long as it is safe.

Even if your parents are different, or don’t get along, both relationships are important for you.

You can:

You get to choose what you learn and keep. 🌱

Sometimes spending time with a parent can feel:

That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Feelings can change over time. What matters most is your health, safety, and basic needs.

Empathy means trying to understand how someone else feels. You might think: “I can imagine that feels really hard.”

Empathy is different from sympathy:

Both are kind. 💙

Draw or write one thing you like about time with Parent A.
Draw or write one thing you like about time with Parent B.
Finish this sentence: “When things feel hard, it helps me when _____________________________________.”

When grown-ups make schedules, they think about many things, like:

That’s a lot! It’s okay if it feels confusing.

You have:

Even when you don’t get to choose everything, you matter.