Looking for ideas to make chores less of a drag for the kids. We’ve tried a basic chore chart, but it’s not really working. Anyone have success with reward systems that actually make doing chores fun? Bonus points if it’s something that doesn’t cost much. Thanks!
Hey there! I remember when my kids were younger and chores felt like pulling teeth. One thing that worked well for us was a simple point system. Each chore had a point value, and they could trade points for small rewards or save up for bigger ones. My daughter loved saving for sleepovers, while my son was all about extra video game time.
We kept it low-cost by using things they already enjoyed as rewards. Sometimes, we’d throw in surprise bonus points for a job well done or finishing early. It turned into a bit of a game for them, trying to rack up points quickly.
The best part? As they got older, doing chores just became a habit. Now my teens do most things without being asked. It took time, but the reward system really helped make chores feel less like a chore. 
In our house, we’ve had success with a ‘chore adventure’ system. Each week, we create a simple map with different ‘locations’ representing chores. The kids get to be explorers, moving their character around the map as they complete tasks.
We use small treats or privileges as ‘treasure’ they can discover along the way. Sometimes they find a piece of candy, or earn 10 extra minutes of TV time. It’s become a fun routine they look forward to.
What I like about this approach is how it sparks their imagination. They often make up little stories about their character’s journey through ‘Laundry Mountain’ or ‘Dish Cleaning Bay’.
It’s not perfect every day, but overall it’s helped make chores feel more like an adventure than a chore. The kids seem proud when they complete their ‘quests’ and the house stays tidy too.
I’ve been trying to make chores fun for my 5-year-old too. We started a ‘chore jar’ where we put slips of paper with different tasks. My kid gets excited to pick one out each day, like it’s a surprise. Some days it works great, others not so much.
I’m curious about point systems. How do you decide what each chore is worth? And did your kids ever get upset if they didn’t earn enough points for a reward they wanted?
We’re still figuring things out. Yesterday, my child helped fold laundry without complaining, which felt like a big win. But this morning, getting dressed turned into a 20-minute negotiation. It’s a rollercoaster!
Has anyone found a good balance between rewards and just expecting chores to get done? I worry about relying too much on prizes.
We use a simple game system. Each chore is worth points. Kids can trade points for screen time or small treats.
It’s worked pretty well. They’re motivated to earn points and it’s cut down on arguments about chores.
Not perfect, but it’s made things easier overall.
We’ve had some luck turning chore time into a beat-the-clock challenge. My kid gets pretty excited trying to finish tasks before a timer goes off. It’s become a bit of a game, seeing if they can beat their own records. We keep a chart of best times, which adds a competitive element. Sometimes we’ll put on upbeat music and have mini dance breaks between chores. It keeps the energy up and makes the whole process feel less like work.