ISO Easy to Use Chore Punch Cards
Like many moms, I discovered chore punch cards on Pinterest. I loved the idea, but I wanted them to better suit my family’s needs. I had two requirements: I wanted to create cards I could tweak to my families needs and I didn’t want the expense or time involved in creating the system to be great.
Previous Challenges
Far too often, I find myself excited about a method like this, then unable to get started because I don’t have all of the materials, it costs more than I expected, or preparation consumes my time while chaos ensues around me.
We’ve tried more than one type of responsibility system in our house. We have a Melissa and Doug magnetic responsibilities chart, which is great for one child. We’ve tried Choose the Right Jars, which the kids responded to, but we easily lost track of. We’ve tried nagging, but that just makes everyone miserable.
A New Start
Since getting ready in the morning and at bedtime are more involved tasks and 20 days would feel like an eternity for a child, completing these tasks earns 2 punches. I like this balance because it takes time to earn and they are not constantly being overloaded with rewards, but it feels achievable.
Color Coded Cards and Signs, with Clear, Positive Motivators
I color coded my punch cards in orange, yellow, and green, then created coordinating motivation signs to post all around my house. I think my husband thought I’d lost my mind a bit when I started these signs everywhere – pantry doors, entry way, dining room, hallway, bathroom, and bedrooms. Having clear, positive reminders with words and pictures just felt like a great way to reinforce this for my family,though.
I highly recommend introducing the punch card system during a family night. We try to have a Family Home Evening each Monday consistently with an age-appropriate lesson, family activity/game, and a treat. You could easily introduce this with some relay clean up games or a scavenger hunt with completed tasks helping the kids earn their first punches.
We happen to have a fun grandma who
We have 2 boxes right now that equal 1 and 3 punch cards. Why not 2? Well, it’s my intention to create a 2 punch card box, but our kids aimed for bigger prizes at first and so 3 felt right. You can also include things such as
We’ve been using this system for at least a month now and it’s the best one we’ve tried so far. I was especially excited the first time my daughter earned one punch card, chose from the first box, then changed her mind. She really wanted to earn a Lolliloopsy doll I found for a steal after Christmas and held out to earn 3 punch cards for this reward.
Her little brother followed suit to exchange 3 punch cards for a pair of consignment store roller skates.
Encourages Choices and Individual Responsibility
This system has also worked great for us because expectations are very clear and it encourages choices and individual responsibility. Sometimes one child earns punches on their card, while another does not. Some days, a child does well, but refuses to complete a task and they don’t earn the punches on a card. I try to use it as a motivator and a positive reminder, rather than something I am withholding. So far, the kids have responded well to it and they are both working hard toward filling up their next card!
Mindy, this is such a great idea! I love it. I always have a few things sitting around to give to the kids. We are starting to give Maggie more jobs to do…well, she’s starting to ask to do more I suppose.
Such a great idea! Our girls have always just have had the same chores, but I guess it’s time to add more duties!
-Cinella @ The Mami Blog
This is a really cute idea. This might actually work for my 13 year old with ADHD
i really like this idea for my 6 year old.. think im going to do it..
I’m think I’m going to try this out. Your downloads won’t allow me to make any changes. Would you mind sending me the file so that i can edit it to meet the needs of our family? Thanks
Great idea Mindy! I’m going to pin this for when my little guy gets older!
Stealing this idea – love it, Mindy!
Also stealing this idea! Nothing else seems to work in this house 😉
Thanks, I was just thinking of doing this!
Love this idea! I am looking for something to motivate Nathaniel to do his chores and something for behavior. I think I might have to hybrid a couple systems, I like this!