When making a kids contract between a parent and a teenager, the first thing both parties need to do is write down a list of things that they want as part of their side of the agreement. Once this is completed the contract can be written up.
Write down specific goals that you want your child to do such as keeping their bedroom tidy, then match this with a requirement from the child such as their desire to spend an extra hour on the internet before going to bed.
When writing out the goals, make sure you are specific. So when it comes to your child keeping their bedroom tidy make sure you stipulate important issues such as how often the room needs to be tided. Also, think about whether this ‘rule’ will also include tasks such as vacuuming or cleaning the windows. Be as specific as possible as this will help avoid confrontation or any breakdown in communication in the future.
Some parenting experts believe that at this stage it may be useful to keep the contract ‘open’ on a trial basis. If both parties can work together abiding by the rules for a week, then the contract can be signed. On the other hand, if there are problems during the trial period, the parent and child may need to sit down together again and readdress some areas of the contract before signing.
Although, some may think that drafting a kids contract may seem a bit extreme, others are quick to say that it can be a very positive way to encourage effective communication between a child and a parent. It can help them work together to resolve any problems and may even help both parties have greater respect for each other. Anything that helps promote good parenting may well be worth giving a go.
Write down specific goals that you want your child to do such as keeping their bedroom tidy, then match this with a requirement from the child such as their desire to spend an extra hour on the internet before going to bed.
When writing out the goals, make sure you are specific. So when it comes to your child keeping their bedroom tidy make sure you stipulate important issues such as how often the room needs to be tided. Also, think about whether this ‘rule’ will also include tasks such as vacuuming or cleaning the windows. Be as specific as possible as this will help avoid confrontation or any breakdown in communication in the future.
Some parenting experts believe that at this stage it may be useful to keep the contract ‘open’ on a trial basis. If both parties can work together abiding by the rules for a week, then the contract can be signed. On the other hand, if there are problems during the trial period, the parent and child may need to sit down together again and readdress some areas of the contract before signing.
Although, some may think that drafting a kids contract may seem a bit extreme, others are quick to say that it can be a very positive way to encourage effective communication between a child and a parent. It can help them work together to resolve any problems and may even help both parties have greater respect for each other. Anything that helps promote good parenting may well be worth giving a go.
