ABSTRACT
Fairness might be expressed explicitly in terms of use of language, or indirectly in terms of resentments and bad feeling, and it is played out in practical, concrete and symbolic ways in everyday family relationships. Parents and step-parents can earn a moral right and deserve reciprocally fair treatment, whether resident or not with the children. Furthermore, children have rights to a good childhood without incurring any obligations in themselves. Because fairness to children is inalienable but fairness to adults is contingent, being unfair to a parent or step-parent can be just if it is necessary in order to be fair to a child. Like biological parents, grandparents may be seen to have 'rights' by virtue of their biological link, and investment in the long-term project of 'family' over generations. Similarly, children may be seen to have rights to a relationship with their grandparents.
