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Let’s talk printable punch cards for jobs (aka chores) and why we love them.
Why Use Printable Punch Cards for Jobs?
What’s the point? Why not just shout some chores at the kids and go about my day? Well, for us, it all started with that one dreaded word… chores. By definition, chores are lame.
chore (chôr)
n.
1. A routine or minor duty or task.
2. An unpleasant or burdensome task.
Who really WANTS to do “chores” anyway? Taxes are a chore. Fishing hair out of the shower drain is a chore. Cleaning cat puke off the carpet is a chore. Honestly, I whine about all of those things. I don’t blame my kids one bit for whining when I used to say, “It’s time to do your chores!” Were they really supposed to be motivated and excited? Do I yell, “YAY! Time to clean up that warm, moist cat puke out of the carpet!”? No. Just no.
“Jobs” Not “Chores” for Printable Punch Cards
Chores. Meh. But JOBS! Our kids really take pride in their work and in their jobs. They see us do the same in our adult lives and they naturally want to replicate our behavior because we are their models. They look forward to seeing what’s on their cards each day because they GET to have a job; they get to contribute to our community (our home). It’s a privilege for them. They blast music and zoom around the house, encouraging each other with fist bumps along the way. They have jobs at home and school, and they LOVE checking them off as they complete them.
Change One Simple Word.
Words are powerful. Mind shift a bit. Try making daily “jobs” available to your kids instead of “chores.” They might even surprise you and ask for more. Camden and Ezra hate when I leave empty spaces on theirs. 😀
Download Free Printable Punch Card Templates
In my random babbling on Facebook the other day, I posted a photo of the kids’ cards on the table. Quite a few people messaged and asked where I got them, so I thought I would save them as a PDF to share with everyone. Since I had the file open this weekend anyway, I whipped up a few more versions in case you want to get wild & crazy with your punch cards. 😉 My original version for the boys is just a fun pastel mix. I’ve also created a blue ombre, galaxy and rainbow set. Print one. Print them all. Have fun.
Details About these Free Printable Punch Cards
Each file is one standard 8″ x 11″ sheet of 10 printable punch cards the size of business cards. Just print them on typing paper or card stock and you’re good to go. We use heart and star hole punches for completed jobs, but dig through your craft supply toolbox and ask your kiddo what they love most. Mine love that satisfying crunch of the hole punch (bonus: hole punches are great for strengthening hand muscles for fine motor development!), but your babe might like drawing a checkmark, or using a fun sticker for each completed job.
Get Creative with your Printable Punch Cards
- If you desire, you can setup a reward system for completed cards. Turn in a completed card and receive a reward!
- Use one printable punch card for a day or even for a full week. Our boys always at least have the doggy’s food, water and pooper scooping daily on theirs. 😉 Create a job card and schedule that best suits your family.
- Print one full sheet of each punch card theme and let your kiddo choose which card they want to use for their day. If they are visual people [like me], they will appreciate this! 🙂
Tip!
If you have a paper cutter, bust it out. It makes cutting these little printable punch cards SUPER fast. I love my old school Swingline chopper. It’s nothing fancy, really. It just chops all.the.things and gets the job done every time.
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