Behavior Contracts: A Powerful Tool for Shaping Positive Behavior As parents and educators, we all know how challenging it can be to motivate children to behave in a positive way. Whether it’s getting a young child to follow directions or keeping a teenager on track with schoolwork, there are times when traditional methods of discipline and reward simply don’t work. That’s where behavior contracts come in. These powerful tools can help parents and educators shape positive behavior by setting clear expectations and consequences for behavior, and providing incentives to encourage good choices. So, what exactly is a behavior contract and how can it be used effectively? At its core, a behavior contract is simply an agreement between two parties - such as a parent and child, or a teacher and student - that outlines expectations for behavior and consequences if those expectations are not met. The contract should be clear and specific, outlining exactly what behaviors are expected and what consequences will be imposed if those expectations are not met. For example, a behavior contract for a young child might include expectations for completing homework, following directions, and being respectful to others. The consequences for failing to meet those expectations might include loss of privileges, such as screen time or toys, or additional chores or homework assignments. For older children or teenagers, a behavior contract might be more complex, including expectations for grades, attendance, and participation in extra-curricular activities. The consequences for not meeting those expectations might include grounding, loss of driving privileges, or being required to attend tutoring or counseling sessions. Regardless of the specifics, the key to a successful behavior contract is to ensure that expectations are clear and realistic, and consequences are consistent and fair. One of the great benefits of behavior contracts is that they can be tailored to individual needs and circumstances. For example, a child who struggles with attention issues might have a behavior contract that includes extra incentives for staying on task, such as extra screen time or a special treat. Similarly, a child who struggles with social skills might have a behavior contract that emphasizes specific behaviors, such as saying please and thank you or making eye contact when speaking to others. Regardless of the specific needs, the key is to ensure that the behavior contract is tailored to the individual child or teenager, based on his or her strengths and weaknesses. It’s also important to remember that behavior contracts are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some children may respond better to traditional discipline methods, such as timeout or loss of privileges, than to behavior contracts. In addition, behavior contracts alone are not usually enough to create lasting change. Rather, they should be part of a larger ongoing effort to teach positive behavior and social skills, provide positive reinforcement for good choices, and address the underlying causes of negative behavior. So, if you’re struggling to motivate your child or student to make positive choices, consider using a behavior contract as a tool for change. By setting clear expectations and consequences, and providing incentives for good behavior, you can help your child or student to develop positive habits that will last a lifetime.
