After School Cards: An Easy Hack for a Peaceful School to Home Transition

Want to reduce the after school chaos? This simple system will help motivate children through their after-school routine with minimal parental involvement.

After my third child started school my brain just about blew up with all of the papers, lunch boxes, and dirty socks.

Maybe you can relate?

While I was up to my armpits in backpacks, my friend told me about her simple chore system and my heart knew I had found the answer to how to help my kids be self-driven after school.

Enter THE CARDS.

What are After School Cards?

The after-school cards are PERFECT for elementary-aged kids (readers and non-readers alike) because they have clear, visual instructions and are a physical reminder of what needs to be done next.

after school transition

Each card has an after-school task that cues action without any prompting or nagging from the parent. My printable includes six common tasks, but feel free to customize and create your own cards to match the needs of your family.

As they accomplish the task on one card, they will be motivated to move on to the next one! 

These cards have worked wonders in my home over the years. Sybil and I are sharing how we use them in THIS video.

To get started: 

  1. Cut an envelope in half to hold all the cards.
  2. Glue one half on top and the other half on the bottom of a piece of paper. 
  3. Download and print The After-School Cards.
  4. Cut cards apart and place them in the top envelope.
  5. Talk to your child about what is expected to be completed with each card.

How it works:

  1. When the child comes home from school, they go to the top envelope (where cards wait each day to be completed) and pull out the first card. You can decide if it is important to you that they be done in a certain order (ex: washing hands before eating a snack)
  2. After the first card is completed, the child places it in the bottom envelope and draws another card.
  3. This process continues until all cards have been completed and placed in the bottom envelope.

Tips for After-School Success

When first starting out, your children might need gentle reminders, like “What does your next card say?”

Keep the momentum going by noticing your child’s efforts as they accomplish their tasks each day.

Instead of rushing them or continuously reminding them of all the cards they have left, focus on the good.

“Yay! Your hands smell so good after washing. I wonder what you will pick for a snack today.”

Or

“Wow, that is just like you to be so responsible and put your backpack away.”

As we focus on the good they are doing, the good will get better, and eventually, you will have a smooth transition from school to home with little effort on your part.

And this system can work for you if you are starting on the first day of school or the hundredth. Don’t fall into the “it’s too late! I’m a failure! Why should I even try?”

Remember, kids will move forward with you. It is never too late to make a change or try something new. Each day is a chance for a new start.

After-School Cards


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