Understanding ChoreGami’s Points & Rewards System

The points and rewards system is the heart of ChoreGami’s motivation strategy. Here’s everything you need to know to set up a system that works for your family.

How the Points System Works

The Basic Concept

Kids earn points by completing chores and tasks
Points accumulate in their personal “bank”
Kids spend points on rewards they want
Parents control what rewards are available and their costs

Why Points Work

Immediate gratification for completing tasks
Teaches budgeting and delayed gratification
Provides clear value for effort expended
Creates positive associations with helping the family

Setting Up Your Points System

Step 1: Determine Your Point Scale

Simple Scale (Recommended for younger kids)

Easy chores: 1-2 points
Medium chores: 3-5 points
Hard chores: 6-10 points

Advanced Scale (For older kids/families)

Quick tasks: 1-5 points
Daily responsibilities: 5-15 points
Weekly projects: 15-30 points
Special help: 10-50 points

Step 2: Point Value Guidelines

Consider These Factors:

Time required: Longer tasks = more points
Difficulty level: Harder tasks = more points
Age appropriateness: Same task may be worth different points for different ages
Family priorities: Tasks you most want done = higher points

Example Point Values by Age:

Ages 3-6:

Put toys away: 1 point
Make bed (with help): 2 points
Feed pets: 2 points
Help set table: 3 points

Ages 7-11:

Load dishwasher: 5 points
Vacuum room: 7 points
Take out trash: 4 points
Complete homework: 10 points

Ages 12+:

Deep clean bathroom: 15 points
Prepare family meal: 20 points
Organize closet: 12 points
Help with younger siblings: 8 points

Creating Your Rewards Store

Types of Rewards That Work

Screen Time & Entertainment

30 minutes extra screen time: 10-15 points
Movie night choice: 25-40 points
Stay up 30 minutes late: 20-30 points
Friend sleepover: 100-150 points

Privileges & Experiences

Choose tonight’s dinner: 15-25 points
Skip one chore: 20-30 points
Special outing with parent: 75-125 points
Choose family weekend activity: 100-200 points

Material Rewards

Small toy/book: 25-50 points
Favorite snack: 10-20 points
Art supplies: 30-60 points
Bigger toy/game: 150-300 points

Money & Savings

$1 cash: 25-50 points
Add to savings account: Variable
Extra allowance: 40-80 points
Special purchase contribution: Variable

Pricing Your Rewards

The Golden Rule

A child should be able to earn a small reward in 1-3 days of consistent chore completion.

Example Pricing Strategy:

Daily earnable points: ~15-25 points
Small rewards: 10-30 points (can earn same day)
Medium rewards: 50-100 points (earn in 3-5 days)
Large rewards: 150-400 points (earn in 1-3 weeks)

Age-Specific Strategies

Ages 3-6: Simple and Immediate

Point values: 1-5 points max
Rewards: Small, immediate gratification
Frequency: Daily small rewards work best
Visual aids: Use sticker charts alongside points

Ages 7-11: Building Understanding

Point values: 5-20 points typical
Rewards: Mix of immediate and saved-up rewards
Teaching moment: Explain the value of saving vs. spending
Goals: Help them set point-saving goals

Ages 12+: Life Skills Focus

Point values: 10-50 points range
Rewards: More privileges and real-world items
Money connection: Consider converting some points to actual money
Independence: Let them suggest reward ideas

Advanced Point System Features

Bonus Point Opportunities

Streak bonuses: Extra points for consecutive days
Quality bonuses: Extra points for exceptional work
Initiative bonuses: Points for doing chores without being asked
Helping bonuses: Points for helping siblings or going above and beyond

Point Penalties (Use Sparingly)

Late completion: Reduced points, not zero points
Poor quality: Opportunity to redo for full points
Attitude issues: Natural consequence discussion rather than point loss

Family Challenges

Group goals: Work together toward a family reward
Competitions: Friendly sibling challenges with bonus points
Special events: Double points for holiday prep or special occasions

Common Challenges & Solutions

“My child hoards points and never spends them”

Solution: Introduce “spending challenges” or limited-time rewards
Consider: Monthly point expiration for unused points
Encourage: Set spending goals together

“Points lose their appeal over time”

Refresh: Update rewards regularly based on changing interests
Involve kids: Let them suggest new rewards
Mix it up: Combine points with other motivation strategies

“Siblings argue about point fairness”

Age adjust: Same chore can be worth different points for different ages
Individual focus: Each child earns based on their own capabilities
Family discussion: Explain why point values might differ

“Kids only do chores for points”

Balance: Combine point system with family responsibility discussions
Gradual transition: Some chores can be “just because we’re family”
Long-term view: Points are training wheels for intrinsic motivation

Tips for Success

Start Simple

Begin with 3-5 rewards and 3-5 chores
Keep point values round numbers (avoid 7.5 points!)
Make sure kids can earn something small quickly

Be Consistent

Award points immediately when possible
Have regular “shopping” times for rewards
Stick to your point values once established

Make it Visible

Use ChoreGami’s dashboard to track points
Celebrate when kids reach point goals
Let kids see their point balance grow

Stay Flexible

Adjust point values if they’re not working
Add seasonal or special event rewards
Listen to your kids’ feedback and ideas

Need Help Setting Up?

Every family is different! If you need help designing a points and rewards system that works for your specific situation, contact our support team for personalized guidance.

Remember: The best points system is the one your family will actually use consistently. Start simple and adjust as you learn what motivates your kids!

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