Parent's Bill of Rights

You have the right to consider your child a precious gift and to cherish each day you are given with your child.

You have the right to learn all that you can about your child's heart condition. Remember that you are your child's most important advocate.

You have the right to spend time with your spouse, children and friends without feeling guilty about being away from your child with a heart problem.

You have the right to a second opinion about your child's diagnosis, care and treatment. Don't be frightened to ask for referrals.

You have the right to take some private time to rejuvenate yourself. Learning the secret of silence is powerful.

You have the right to stay with your child in the hospital. Children often feel less afraid when surrounded by people they love.

You have the right to let yourself off the hook. You did not cause your child to have a heart problem. What you do now for your child is what is most important.

You have the right to ask questions and expect healthcare professionals to answer your questions in a timely, professional manner.

You have the right to accept help from your family, friends and coworkers. It's often the little things that are remembered the most.

You have the right to change what you can and accept the things that you can't.