There is no way this is their first attempt, so your methodology probably already failed multiple times which brought them to this point. Wherein they are trying something extreme to hopefully change something.

Especially as a literal contract is a physical object, instead of a nebulous conversation you can pretend you forget, with specifics specifically laid out you agree to follow, instead of a vague "normal" they can argue the definition of. Its cringe, but raising kids is filled with cringe shit you have to do at times.