What Are Behavior Contracts?
Behavior contracts are written agreements that describe a child's behavioral expectations and list the privileges and consequences that go along with meeting (or failing to meet) the terms of the contract.
Why Use Behavior Contracts?
Behavior contracts can be highly effective as a behavior management tool. They help parents and teachers provide structure and consistency at home or in the classroom. They also help children understand what is expected of them by clearly stating the behavioral expectations. Behavior contracts are easy to use and they give children an opportunity to learn responsibility and accountability.
Tips for Using Behavior Contracts:
- Allow your child to be a part of the decision-making process while creating the contract.
- Be sure to use privileges and consequences that will be effective with your child. Your child must be motivated to earn the privilege for the contract to work!
- Be sure to keep a back-up copy of the contract in case one is needed.
- Be precise when describing the behavioral expectations, use language that your child will understand.
- Allow for success but agreeing upon attainable expectations. (One step at a time to the top of the stairs!)
- Follow through with the privileges and consequences! If you don't enforce it, it won't work.
- Use a simple template or get creative with drawings/pictures/colors/designs!