​Employees typically receive a “job description” once they accept a position with a company.  Why, then, shouldn’t children receive “job descriptions” in the form of a behavior contract or behavior chart when they are old enough to take on increasingly complex tasks and responsibilities?

 

A well-constructed behavior contract and/or behavior chart clearly states the expectations that a particular child is expected to follow…much like a “job description” that is handed out by an employer when an employee accepts a position within the organization or company.

 

Benefits of Using a Behavior Contract:

 

A well-worded behavior contract clarifies behavioral expectations, defines household responsibilities, promotes a sense of mutual respect, holds children accountable for their behavior, and imposes fair and consistent consequences.

 

Benefits of Using a Behavior Chart:

 

A well-designed behavior chart lists the child’s responsibilities, helps to track and monitor the child’s progress, imposes fair and reasonable rewards and consequences based on the child’s ability to meet the expected behaviors, and establishes a structured and predictable environment for the child and his/her parent(s).

 

Behavior contracts can be used to target any specific (or general) behavior (or set of behaviors) you can think of.  A student contract can be utilized by teachers to help their students stay on-task while parents can use behavior contracts to target such behaviors as respect, responsibilities, anger management, household rules, character-related behavior, and much more.

 

Behavior charts are more effective at tracking a small set of specific behaviors and/or responsibilities that the child must follow or complete each day.  Specific behaviors that a chart might track include keeping one’s room clean, avoiding foul language, getting along with siblings, or managing one’s anger.  Behavior charts are also great way to monitor daily chores and/or a child’s hygiene practices.

 

Tips for Using a Behavior Contract or a Behavior Chart:

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1. Make sure the child is at least somewhat involved in process of creating the contract or chart.

2. Behavior contracts should be highly detailed and should consist of clearly defined expectations.  Behavior charts can be a bit less detailed but should still state the expected behavior.

3. Rewards and consequences should be determined ahead of time and should be doled out based on the child’s ability to meet or to not meet the conditions of the contract or chart.

4. Expectations should be realistic, fair, and attainable.

5. Contracts and charts should be created with the child’s age in mind (age-appropriate).