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Behavior Contracts
What Can They Do for You?
An Interview with Mark Kichler, President of KidsContracts, Inc.
By Shel Franco
at Columbia University reported in their sixth annual national teen substance abuse survey that parents who are "'hands-on' – parents who have established a household culture of rules and expectations for their teens' behavior – raise children who are less at risk of smoking, drinking and using drugs." In addition, they said "Contrary to conventional wisdom, teens in 'hands-on' households are more likely to have an excellent relationship with their parents than teens with 'hands-off' parents." The survey concluded that, "parents should be parents to their teenagers, not pals."
La Rae G. Moncada, a licensed marriage, family and child counselor, says, "I think contracts are a great idea. In fact, I encourage them in my practice."
MK: Parents need to plan ahead, anticipate future areas of concern and write the rules before there is a problem.
Parents need to write the contracts in clear, simple language that can be easily understood by the child.
Parents need to involve their children in the process by writing the contract and then discussing it in detail with their children and making changes if necessary. The kids need to buy into the process and have a feeling of ownership.
Parents and children must sign and date the agreement.
Finally, children will "test" the agreement by breaking or stretching a rule. When this occurs, it is critical
