Teen Chore Contract:
A Chore Chart Alternative

If you are not having much success with teen chores, it might be time to try a teen chore contract. What's the difference? For starters, a contract can seem more grown-up than a chore chart especially if younger brothers and sisters are using charts. And that might be all the difference you need!

Why use a teen chore contract?
The reasons to use a contract are not much different than the reasons for using a chore chart. Each provides a way to track the chores that are being done. And that helps make sure that everyone agrees on what will be done and when.

But contracts can help even more.

They put into writing nearly all aspects of chores for teen - which is something that chore charts may not do as well. It can be a challenge to put all the parts of chores (how, when, where and consequences of not doing them) on to a chart. But all of those pieces can be put into a contract without much of a problem.

Plus, for teens who want and need more independence, contracts are a step toward adulthood. Most contracts are legal documents that teens cannot sign until they are 18. So, having a contract that they can sign, is another step in their maturity.

What is in a teen chore contract?
Any contract has some basic parts. Those parts need to be adapted for your specific family and teen, but here are the main items.

• What: Which chores will be done. For ideas on some common chores for teens, take a look here.
• When:Timing of the chores. Are they daily? Weekly? Some of both?
• Where: Where the chores get done. This might all get covered in the "what" section. For example "clean bedroom" is both what and where.
• Why: Why the teen chores are being done. This could include how much allowance or pay goes with each chore. Or what privileges are earned (or can be taken away) for each one.
• How: How each chore is to be done. This is where the parent and teen definitions of "clean" can be ironed out.
• Changes: How changes can be made. Often, the first pass at something isn't the final one. Changes might need to be made to any section and this part of the contract addresses how that gets done.

That list can look overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be. Click here to download a sample contract that's been filled out. And if you need a template to get started on your own contract, click here. You might also find this chore guide useful. It includes information on chores, chore charts and contracts as well as lists for all ages.