A Behavioral Contract is a physical document that outlines expected behaviors, rules and privileges that is signed by parent(s) (and in some cases, teachers), and the child or adolescent that the contract is directed towards. Accountability is the main purpose of a contract, and that in turn provides the child with the responsibility to hold fast to the terms of the contract.
A Contract is a teaching tool for parents and also an effective tool for helping to maintain order in the household. Not only is the child expected to maintain their end of the Contract agreement, but so are the parents. Having a Contract in place requires a great deal of diligence on the part of the parents and the child. However, it has been shown to be a highly effective tool when prepared and used properly.
Issues and behaviors that can be covered in a Contract can range from homework and chore assignments to more serious behavior issues such as substance abuse and defiance.
The very preparation of a Contract is the crucial piece of the process, involving: a) Family Meeting; b) Discussion; c) Listing of specific expectations; d) Prioritizing of issues; e) Discussion of accountability, consequences and rewards; f) Compromise, and g) Further family meetings to update process and assess progress.
FamilyIQ has a number of resources that discuss Behavioral Contracting and the different aspects involved in this process. See the relevant FamilyIQ courses and articles that cover such topics as Behavioral Contracting, Raising Responsible Children, How to Set Limits, and Using Consequences to Help Children Learn.
See the FamilyIQ course, "Behavioral Contracting"
See also the FamilyIQ article, "Writing A Behavioral Contract," with a link to a free Sample Behavioral Contract you can print out for your own use.
Shari Landes worked as a senior researcher in experimental psychology at Princeton University for 15 years, primarily studying learning, cognition, and linguistics. She has an extensive web presence, beginning with the development of one of the first websites that provided resources on ADHD and related disorders. She has published numerous research articles and book chapters (MIT Press).
