Think of contingency contracting as a promise between a parent and their child. The child agrees to do something, like finishing their homework or eating vegetables, and in return, the parent promises a reward. The reward could be something fun like extra playtime or a treat. But, if the child doesn’t follow through, there might be a consequence, like less TV time. It’s like a “deal” or an “agreement” that helps kids learn good behavior.
What is contingency contracting?
Contingency contracting is a method where desired behaviors are encouraged through rewards or consequences.
How does contingency contracting work?
It involves setting a behavior goal for a child and associating it with a reward for success or a consequence for failure.
Can contingency contracting help my child learn good habits?
Absolutely! It’s a proven strategy to promote good habits and discourage undesirable behaviors in kids.
How can I implement contingency contracting at home?
Identify a behavior, set a clear goal, decide on a reward or consequence, and consistently apply the “contract.”
Contingency contracting is a behavior management strategy used in behavioral psychology, where achieving a specific behavior is linked with a pre-agreed reward or consequence. It is a structured intervention method based on the principles of operant conditioning, encouraging desired behaviors through positive reinforcement or dissuading undesirable behaviors through negative reinforcement.
Contingency contracting starts with identifying a behavior to be encouraged or discouraged. Next, you devise a clear, fair “deal” or “contract” that sets the behavior goal and the related reward or consequence.
It’s a game of give and take, where everyone wins when the rules are followed.
Goally can be a great partner in contingency contracting. It’s fun and easy to use and can help keep track of goals and rewards, making this learning process even more enjoyable and effective for kids.
