Behavior Contracts: | |
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"Well, you never told me I couldn't do that..." "That’s not fair; you can’t ground me for doing that!" "... but mom said it was okay if I stayed out until midnight." Do the above statements sound familiar? These are the types of comments and complaints that often echo throughout households which fail to implement a consistent and structured discipline regimen. Parents that utilize behavior contracts, however, rarely hear these phrases because the rules and guidelines have already been established and are clearly written for all to see. Behavior contracts (also called "child contracts" or "teen contracts") are most effective if they meet the following criteria: |  |
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1. They are fair to both parties. 2. They are detailed (rather than vague). 3. They describe behaviors and/or expectations that are relevant to the child's needs. 4. They are enforceable. 5. They contain some form of consideration (rewards for success/consequences for failure). If you are interested in using a behavior contract with your child or teen, then here are a few resources that might interest you: www.TeenBehaviorContracts.com Printable behavior contracts that address teen issues. This site also includes a discipline chart for teens and other parenting tools. Everything can be downloaded immediately for one low price. www.ParentCoachPlan.com Offers an in-home discipline program, behavior contracts, and much more. This site also has some great articles, a message board, and some free printables for parents. Recommended site! www.Behavior-Contracts.com Offers a variety of behavior contracts and other parenting tools that can be downloaded and used immediately. Home of the exclusive "Create a Behavior Contract" system. Each of the links listed above will take you to a site that offers low-cost, pre-written behavior contracts which cover a variety of topics and issues, depending on what your needs are. You will also find useful parenting articles and helpful advice for raising well-adjusted children and teens. | |