Aug. 21, 2007 - Family Values & Expectations Contract
Family Values & Expectations Contract
Here's a generic version of our Family Contract that we update and sign each fall at the beginning of a new homeschool year. It sets clear expectations and settles the inevitable differences about bedtimes, curfew, etc.... Feel free to modify and use this in your non-commercial home setting.
_________ Family Values & Expectations
1 We desire to have a loving Christian household. All members of the family will be respectful to each other at all times. Absolutely no hitting, yelling, fighting, or foul language.
2 Mealtime- Whenever possible, the family will eat together for breakfast and dinner. We will thank God for his blessings.
3 Public Behavior- No member of the family will make any derogatory remark about another member of the family in public or in front of visitors.
4 Church Attendance- All members of the family will attend all scheduled church meetings (Sunday school, youth group, Sunday worship, committee meetings, etc…).
5 Bible Study- Family members will participate in a bible study group weekly.
6 Money Management- The children will be paid allowances every Friday for their contribution to the smooth running of the household . Name ____________ Amount__________
7 Allowances are not to be spent on candy or soda pop unless specifically approved by Mom or Dad. Local savings accounts will be established and saving for future purchases will be encouraged.
8 Tithing- Mom & Dad will tithe to the church as pledged. The children will each tithe 10% of their allowances to Sunday School.
9 Family Night- The entire family will participate in a family fun night once every two weeks. This may be at home or out. Creativity is encouraged.
10 Date Night- Mom & Dad will have a private date night once every two weeks.
11 Children’s Activities- Mom and/or Dad will attend all sporting events and other activities that the children are involved in, whenever possible.
12 Movies- No R Rated movies unless specifically reviewed and approved by Mom or Dad. PG and PG-13 movies must be reviewed & approved for kids under 13. .
13 Candy, Treats & Gum- No chewing gum allowed for children under 10. Children must ask before eating candy or treats and must always brush their teeth afterwards. Children do not have to ask permission for fruit.
14 Music Lessons- Music practice is required 5 days a week, minimum. Children must be prepared for their lesson each week. Practice will be at least 30 min/day.
15 Reading- Reading is encouraged! In addition, all children may read in bed AFTER their appointed bedtime. All novels will be approved by Mom or Dad.
16 Bedtimes- School nights: Teens 16 & up- 11:00 pm, Kids 9-12- 9:30 pm. Weekends- 11:00 pm for preteens and 1:00 for teens. Every family member is responsible for setting his/her alarm.
17 Curfews- Teens- 10:00 on school nights, with permission and communication.
18 Mornings- All family members are expected to rise on time. Children will rise by ________ on school mornings. All will be responsible for making their bed EVERY morning. All family members will eat breakfast everyday.
19 Personal Hygiene- Children must brush their teeth in the morning and before going to bed. All must wash hands before eating. All kids must bathe in the evenings, not on a school morning.
20 Friends- Friends are allowed on non-school nights, with prior approval. On school nights, teens can have friends over until 10:00 (or their friends’ earlier curfew time).
21 Laundry- Children must promptly put away their own laundry in the proper drawers and hang up clothes, as needed. Children are responsible for bringing their laundry to the kitchen on Monday mornings. Children must keep up with laundering uniforms themselves. If ironing is needed, please ask Mom the night before.
22 School Papers- Children must pay attention and take notes in classes and keep all notes, assignments, and graded papers organized by class. Do not throw out any papers until reviewed by Mom or Dad. Mom and/or Dad are to review papers daily.
23 Study Habits- All Children are expected to prepare for and study for all tests. Study may involve reading the textbook, reviewing notes, memorization, reviewing study guides, etc… Mom & Dad will be willing to assist, as needed.
24 Homework- Homework must be neat (good penmanship, no scribbles, and no wrinkled or torn pages) and absolutely must be completed and turned in on time. Homework must also using good writing skills (capitalization, punctuation and complete sentences). Homework will be done at a desk, kitchen table, or computer. All outside distractions should be kept at a minimum. Absolutely no missing assignments will be tolerated. Homework is to be completed before 6 pm, whenever possible. TV, Video Games & Computer are allowed only AFTER completion of homework and chores.
25 Organization- Notebooks, book bags, desks and rooms are to be KEPT ORGANIZED.
26 Grades- A’s and B’s and occasional C’s are acceptable. D’s or F’s will result in rework and review and/or makeup work assigned by Mom and Dad. Report Card A’s and B’s will be rewarded. Straight A’s will be celebrated!
27 Sports and Extracurricular activities- Participation in sports and extracurricular activities is a privilege. Attendance will be granted only when not in conflict with homework, studying, church commitments and bedtimes.
28 Chores- All children will have various assigned chores. These are to be done without argument or grumbling.
29 Telephone- No phone calls in or out of the house after 10 pm. Long distance calls should be kept to a minimum.
30 Television- Unless approved by a parent, TV viewing should be limited to 2 hours maximum per day.
31 Video Games- Unless approved by a parent, Video games should be limited to 1 hour per day.
32 Computer Usage- Be respectful of others needs and share willingly.
33 Internet Rules- No communication with any unknown persons is allowed. Mom & Dad must approve of all “buddies”. Absolutely no lude, inappropriate or foul language will be tolerated. No one is to use another person’s e-mail or screen name. No new screen names without parental approval. Internet surfing must only be at parental approved sites.
34 Respect for Other People’s Belongings- Do not take someone else’s belongings without permission. Do not search through someone else’s room without permission.
35 Indoor Behavior- Absolutely no ballgames in the house. No wild running or excessive rough-housing will be tolerated.
36 Hugs- Everyone gets hugs. Even big boys.
37 Apologies- If you have hurt someone in anyway, you must promptly and sincerely apologize. If you have been hurt, you must forgive the person offering the sincere apology.
I have read and agree to the ______ Family Values & Expectations:
Dad __________________________________
Mom _________________________________
_______ _____________________________
_______ ______________________________
_______ ______________________________
_______ ______________________________
_______ _______________________________
© Sallie H., 2007. All rights reserved.
Comments
Sep. 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Hey, Sally,
I love this contract. Well done. I'm passing it on to some of my clients, as I know this is what they're needing. You know, I'd love to just do coffee sometime, if we could ever coordinate our crazy schedules and sneak away. :) Talk to you soon...
Sherry F.
