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
Related Articles
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!