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Home › Articles › Parenting Strategies › Behavior Contracts

Behavior Contracts

What Can They Do for You?

An Interview with Mark Kichler, President of KidsContracts, Inc.

By Shel Franco

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sign and date it. A copy should then be given to each child, and the parents should put a copy in a safe place where it won't be misplaced.

iP: Why do they work?

MK: Behavior contracts work because all children want and need structure in their lives. Written agreements will bring a calming effect to them because they know the rules and their consequences and find that very reassuring. In addition, written contracts will reduce the number of disagreements between parents and their kids because the rules were previously discussed and agreed upon in advance.

iP: Who should be using behavior contracts? Would anyone not benefit from a behavior contract?

MK: Parents should start using written agreements with their children from the time they start giving them an allowance (5 to 7 years old) until they are young adults and leave home. It is very appropriate for young children to have simple agreements on allowance and household chores. As they get older, new contracts should be introduced on issues like dating, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, school, driving, etc.

I believe that all families would benefit from behavior contracts regardless of race, religion or economic status. However, it is important to remember that contracts do not provide all of the answers for parents but are just one more important tool that is available to all families.

iP: Is there research or professional opinion thatsupports the use of behavior contracts?

MK: Yes. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA)


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