I’m trying to figure out a good reward system for my kids when they finish their chores. I have a 6-year-old and a 10-year-old, and I want to motivate them in a way that suits their ages.
I want the rewards to be exciting and meaningful, but I’m not keen on just giving them money for everything. What kind of rewards have worked for other parents? I’m looking for ideas that will resonate with younger versus older kids.
My 5 year old gets really excited about extra screen time or choosing what we have for dinner. I’ve noticed that experiences work better than toys for us.
I’m curious though, how do you handle it when they finish chores but not very well? Do you still give the reward or ask them to redo it? I struggle with this balance between encouraging them and teaching quality.
We experimented with a point system where my child earns points for completing various tasks and can cash them in for perks like staying up 30 minutes later or choosing a weekend movie. Interestingly, she became more excited about earning extra playground time than getting a small toy. Allowing her to choose from a few options made it feel less controlled. Sometimes she saves for bigger rewards like having a friend over, while other times she prefers the instant thrill of an extra dessert.