Ahhhh… the lazy days of summer. Or, rather, the rainy days of summer:
Yikes. Day after day (after day) of rain has led to desperate measures. Trying to get dinner ready one night I googled “Thomas Train pictures” to keep Bee busy and my 3-year-old was enthralled; he scrolled through the pictures for an hour, singing the Thomas theme song to himself and commenting on all the trains. He even knew Duck and Luke. The kid is obsessed.
Unfortunately, this led to constant begging to look at train pictures on the ‘bocuter’. Which totally makes me melt that he calls it a bocuter, but after approximately 9,378 requests it was much less cute. To curb his requests yet allow him the freedom to choose when he used the computer, I quickly typed up a printable passport so he can choose when he uses it– I punch out a star each time, and when he reaches his limit he has to wait until the next day for more computer privileges. We call them our ‘passports’. As you can see, it works equally well for an iPad obsessed four year old:
It worked so well I created a single star version for requests like a daily treat (ice cream! popsicles! lollipops! oh my!) to the double star punch card for 15 minutes of screen time so he can use it once in the morning and once at night. Or twice in a row. As long as he has a visual way to concretely understand the limits, we’re golden.
Simple follow the links to the free printable kids charts, either the Single Star Punch Card or the Double Star Punch Card. Print onto stock paper, or glue onto construction paper to make them more sturdy. Use one card at a time, or staple a few together in any combination to help set limits on privileges such as tv time, computer time, ipad time, treats, etc. You could even punch a hole and insert a binder ring to keep all the cards together– I stapled mine together simply because I couldn’t find a binder ring on such short {desperate} notice.
I wish I could be all like, “hey, making them ain’t no thang’ but truthfully that I had to create them twice, because I misspelled ‘privileges’ two out of three times. Yes, the teacher in me is yelling at myself. Darn sneaky extra ‘i’ in privileges.
Hope you’ll enjoy these free and easy printable kids charts for encouraging positive discipline, giving kids the freedom to make choices within the confines of the limits which you set. And keeping you sane if you’re experiencing days upon days of inclement weather, as we are. Are your kids in need of a way to keep privileges in check? What seems to be their favorite activity or treat you’d wish to limit? Anyone else have a Thomas the Train fanatic? Cinders and Ashes!
{Linking up with: Tatertots and Jello | Skip to my Lou | Monday Funday | i heart nap time | Project Inspire(d) | Life Inspired}
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Thank you thank you thank you! My child asks for lollipops, jelly beans, and snacks like ALL DAY! (and he doesn’t get them!) I am going to try this.
I’m so glad you can use it, Denise! Sounds like our kids are two peas in a pod, the asking for snacks all day is driving me nuts. 😉
I hear you on the rain! It’s driving us bonkers! This is a cute idea!! I like it!
Such a cute idea! Pinned it. 🙂
I could use this – and my girls are 13!!!
Kelly
I can totally relate! My kids are always begging to play a lego video game or use my tablet. Pinning now!