Childrearing Contract

Childrearing Contract

We, {Parent 1} and {Parent 2}, in preparation for welcoming a new member to the family, agree to the following ideals, guidelines, and priorities when it comes to childrearing:

Initial Stages

• We agree that {co-sleeping/separate beds/separate rooms} will be best until {rough time frame}, when we will move to {new arrangement}.
• We will do {breastfeeding/bottle feeding/a mix of breast and bottle feeding} unless a doctor recommends otherwise.
• We will refrain from feeding our child {types of food} until {age}.
• We will never feed our child {types of food}.
• We will divide responsibilities as equally as possible, with the understanding that sometimes time and exhaustion may require special care from each other. {Parent 1} would prefer {diaper duty, laundry, bedtime routine, feeding, etc.} while {Parent 2} prefers {diaper duty, laundry, bedtime routine, feeding, etc.}.
• We will be flexible and understanding in determining what's best for our child and each other as we grow as a family.

Education

• We will send our child to {public/private school}.
• We will encourage our child to learn many different subjects and to pursue those that especially interest them.
• We will introduce our child to {number} of extracurricular activities, including {sport, musical instrument, etc.}.
• We will raise our child to speak {languages}, with {language} being spoken primarily at home.
• We will raise our child in the tradition of {religion/belief/philosophy}.

Punishment

• We {will/will not} use spanking as a form of punishment.
• We {will/will not} use time outs as a form of punishment.
• We will encourage and reward good behavior and {ignore/punish} bad behavior.
• We will discuss the consequences of actions with our child and encourage active involvement in thought and consideration of behavior.

Each Other

• {Name} will work and {Name} will stay home, or both parents will work and {other arrangement} will be provided for child {frequency, amount of time}. This will be in effect until {condition or time limit} and then we will reassess.
• We will discuss and agree upon large financial decisions that affect our child and each other.
• We will not pit our child against each other when we disagree.
• We will discuss decisions and remain a united front on boundaries and decisions that affect our child.
• We will make time for each other and work on our relationship regularly including {frequency} {date nights, dinner, movies, board games, etc.}.
• We will remain open to each other's ideas, beliefs, and desires for the family, and we will communicate with each other in a respectful and loving fashion.
• We will model good adult behavior in front of our child, especially concerning {arguments, substance use, language, tolerance, etc.}.
• We will love, support, and respect our child their whole life, regardless of their sex, gender, orientation, desired career, pursuits, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and interests.

In witness to their agreement to the terms of this contract, the parties affix their signatures below:

____________________________________
Parent, signature & date

____________________________________
Parent, signature & date

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