Examples of Reward Systems for Chore Completion

Explore effective reward systems to motivate kids in completing chores.
By Taylor

Reward Systems for Chore Completion

Creating a reward system for your child’s chores can make the process fun and engaging. Here are three diverse examples that can help motivate your little ones while teaching them responsibility.

1. Chore Jar Rewards

In this system, you’ll need a jar, some small slips of paper, and an assortment of rewards. Write down various rewards on the slips of paper—these could range from extra screen time, a special treat, or a fun family activity. Your child will earn a slip each time they complete a chore, and once they have a slip, they can cash it in for that reward.

Example:

  • Rewards:
    • Extra 30 minutes of screen time
    • A trip to the ice cream shop
    • A family movie night with popcorn

Once your child completes a chore, they can choose a slip from the jar. This keeps the excitement alive as they don’t know what reward they might get each time.

Notes:

  • Adjust the rewards based on what motivates your child.
  • You can also add a few ‘mystery’ rewards for an extra surprise.

2. Sticker Chart System

A sticker chart is a classic but effective way to reward children for completing their chores. Create a colorful chart that lists daily or weekly chores. For each chore completed, your child gets a sticker. Once they collect a certain number of stickers, they can trade them in for a larger reward.

Example:

  • Chores:
    • Make the bed
    • Clear the table
    • Take out the trash

Once your child has completed all the chores for the week and earned 10 stickers, they could choose a reward such as a small toy or a day out to the park. This visual representation helps them see their progress and encourages them to continue working toward their goals.

Notes:

  • Consider varying the number of stickers needed for different rewards to keep things interesting.
  • Involve your child in choosing the stickers to make it more personal.

3. Points System with a Prize Store

With a points system, assign a certain number of points to each chore based on its difficulty. Kids can accumulate points and then spend them in a homemade ‘prize store’ where you offer various fun rewards.

Example:

  • Chores and Points:
    • Feed the pets (5 points)
    • Vacuum the living room (10 points)
    • Help with laundry (8 points)

Once they reach 20 points, they can choose from items in the prize store, like a new book, a toy, or a special outing. This system teaches kids about goal-setting and managing their ‘earnings’ while giving them a sense of ownership over their rewards.

Notes:

  • You can update the prize store regularly to keep the rewards fresh and exciting.
  • Consider having a few ‘big ticket’ items that require saving up points for, like a new game or a special experience.