TasklyFamilyA points and rewards system for kids
Done well, a points system turns chores into a game and responsibility into a habit. Done badly, it becomes a constant negotiation. Here’s how to get it right.
How it works
Each chore is worth points according to its effort. At the end of the week they’re added up and there’s a prize: for whoever scored most, or for the whole family if together you reach a goal. What matters is that the rules are clear from day one.
How many points per chore
| Effort | Points | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Very easy | 1 | Make the bed, clear their plate, water the plants |
| Easy | 2 | Set the table, take out the rubbish, fold clothes |
| Medium | 3 | Vacuum, wash the dishes, hang the laundry |
| Hard | 4 | Clean the bathroom, do the shopping, cook |
Rewards that work (and cost nothing)
- Picking Saturday’s movie or dinner.
- Staying up half an hour later at the weekend.
- Choosing Sunday’s plan.
- Skipping a chore next week.
- A pizza night if the whole family reaches the goal.
Shared rewards are especially useful with siblings of different ages: the little one doesn’t give up even if they score less, because they still contribute to the common goal.
Common mistakes
- Taking points away as punishment. It mixes the game with discipline and demotivates. Better that it simply doesn’t score.
- Changing the rules mid-week. The challenge needs a clear start and finish.
- Rewards that are too big. They force you to keep raising the stakes. Small and frequent works better.
- Keeping score by hand. By day three nobody writes anything down. If it counts itself, the system lasts.
Do it paper-free with TasklyFamily
The app adds up the points itself, shows the weekly leaderboard with streaks and levels, and crowns the champion on Sunday. You can set a house goal with a shared prize and choose the rewards yourselves.
FAQ
Is it good to reward kids for doing chores?
A small weekly reward helps build the habit, especially at first. Over time, recognition and routine matter more than the prize.
What if one child always wins?
Add a shared goal for the whole family and adjust points by age. That way everyone has something to aim for.