Download: Parent-child behavior contracts
By Amanda Morin
Expert reviewed by Jenn Osen-Foss, MAT
Sample parent-child behavior contract PDF
A behavior contract can help you and your child work on things like self-control and lying. It can also spell out rewards for meeting a goal and consequences for not meeting it.
A good contract includes steps you and your child will take to change a behavior. So rather than just saying “Stop doing X,” you come up with strategies to replace inappropriate behaviors with better ones.
For the contract to work, it’s key to get your child’s input. Helping shape the contract makes kids more likely to stick with it.
Start by focusing on one or two behaviors. (Having too many goals at once can be overwhelming.) Work with your child to come up with the goals, strategies, rewards, and consequences.
Be sure to schedule a time to review it later. Use that time to talk about whether the contract needs to be changed or your child is having trouble meeting the goals. This is one of the ways a behavior contract can help you have an ongoing conversation about behavior.
Related downloads
Use a cell phone contract to get on the same page about phone usage.
Avoid homework battles by using a homework contract.
See how a fidget contract can help kids use fidgets as tools, not as toys.
About the author
About the author
Amanda Morin is the author of “The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education” and the former director of thought leadership at Understood. As an expert and writer, she helped build Understood from its earliest days.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Jenn Osen-Foss, MAT is an instructional coach, supporting teachers in using differentiated instruction, interventions, and co-planning.
