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Using a Behavior ContractBy Chris Theisen
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Many children act out in an effort to obtain power and/or control over the people around them. Other children employ a more direct approach and do their acting out in order to gain attention. Regardless of their reasons for doing it, most children act out because they get something out of it. It works for them.
Thanks to the internet, parents are now able to access useful information and advice related to child-rearing and discipline. This information and advice can be very helpful in resolving various parenting dilemmas, such as eliminating misbehavior or dealing with emotional issues. Many websites offer general parenting advice, while others are more specialized and delve into specific issues and/or disorders. A few taps of the keyboard and parents can find out about anything from ADHD to zits.
If discipline is an issue in your home, then the links at the bottom of this article may be of interest to you. But before you get there though, let's discuss one of the more popular ways of addressing behavior problems in the home. I'm talking about using a behavior contract.
What is a behavior contract?
A behavior contract is an agreement between a child and his or her parents. A good behavior contract will describe the child's behavioral expectations as well as the incentives and consequences that result from the child's behavior.
Why should I use a behavior contract?
Using a behavior contract means that you have taken the first step towards establishing firm limits. Your child's expectations are clearly stated and he or she then knows what to expect when the conditions of the contract are met (or not met). Behavior contracts are easy to enforce and can be put together with minimal effort.
How effective are behavior contracts?
The effectiveness of the contract will depend on...
How fair the contract is.
How well written (detailed) the contract is.
How consistently the contract is enforced.
The effectiveness of the incentives and consequences that are chosen.
How motivated the child is to meet the expectations (conditions) of the contract.
Are there any good pre-written behavior contracts available online?
The links below will take you to a few different sites that offer pre-written behavior contracts that can be used with your child or teen.
ParentCoachPlan.com
Our Behavior Management Package contains behavior contracts covering the following topics: Respect, Responsibility, Safety, School, Chores, and Character. Also included in the package is a unique behavior chart and set of Behavior Bucks.
Behavior-Contracts.com
Customize your own contract using our exclusive on-line behavior contract generator or browse through the rest of our unique parenting and discipline tools. You'll find charts, contracts, worksheets, intervention ideas, and much more.
TeenBehaviorContracts.com
Behavior contracts specifically designed to address teen issues. Also includes a teen discipline program (behavior plan) and other useful printouts. Contracts cover such topics as: driving, dating, school, character, attitude, and household expectations.
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