Well, if this appears in a book somewhere, I've never read it, so
the best I can do for you is to wing it. But I do have four children
of my own, and I've watched two of them raise my five grandchildren,
so I hope I've got some kind of feeling for what's right.
Basically, it seems to me that you already did a pretty good job of it
in your question, and all that's left is to put in some details:
"Mom and Dad ...
Life is pretty good here. I think that's because I love both of you and
I know that you both love me. We've had arguments about a few things
once in a while, but I just got this assignment in Social Studies that might
actually help us. I'm growing up, and we could use a "Share" contract,
like in a real business, to agree on how some things can work without
arguing about it. Just like in real business contracts, they "negotiate"
and go back and forth and work things out before they sign it, so please
tell me what you think of this, and if you want to change anything, and
we'll work it out:
This is what I propose:
Section I : Jobs that I Will Do
A). Finish my homework before I go out on any school night.
B). Clear the table after dinner and load the dishwasher 4 times a week.
C). Sweep the kitchen floor 3 times a week.
D). Feed the dog once a day.
E). Take him for a walk around the block 3 times a week.
F). Take the trash out to the barrel 2 times a week.
G). Babysit Leah 2 Saturday nights a month so you can go out together.
H). Mow the lawn once a month in the Spring and Summer.
J). Wash the car once a month in the Winter.
Section II: What I Will Get In Return
A). Keep loving me.
B). Let me go out to my friends' house after my homework is finished.
C). Let me pick what I want for dinner 3 times a month.
D). Besides my allowance, give me ways to earn extra money,
so I can save up for things I want to buy.
E). Match the amount of money I save up.
F). In 3 months after we sign this contract, if I'm keeping up with
my jobs listed in Section-I, let me get a smartphone, and
help me sign up for it."
