|
Steps for Developing a Contract
- BEFORE beginning the contract process with your
child:
- List all possible consequences
if your child violates the contract.
- List all the reasons you would follow through
with consequences.
- List the reasons your child would give for not
wanting to agree to abstain from illegal substance
use or refusing to sign the contract. Determine
what you will you do if your child refuses to sign
a contract agreeing to be substance-free.
- Make
an appointment to meet with your child in a place
free from distractions (i.e. TV, phone, friends,
siblings, etc.) Allow one hour.
- As you are creating the contract:
- Clearly out line your position on the use of
illegal substances and share your honest concerns
with your child.
- Tell your child that you will always
give them a safe, calm ride home with no
discussion or questions until the following
day.
- Ask your children to name other caring adults
in their life that they believe would help them
if asked.
- The goal of the contract is not to make them
feel trapped, but rather to let them make choices,
knowing what the consequences will be if they
choose to use illegal substances.
- Make one copy of the contract for you and one
for your child. You must sign both copies. Give
your child one copy at the end of your meeting.
- DISENGAGE! Don’t bring up other issues.
- Once the contract has been signed, the
meeting is over. Back off and let the contract
take effect.
|
|
