My kids have been pretty good about doing their chores lately, and I want to make sure they know I notice and appreciate it. I’m looking for some easy ways to show them I’m grateful without going overboard. Any ideas that have worked well for other parents? Nothing too complicated or expensive, just simple gestures that let them know their efforts matter. Thanks!
When my kids started doing chores regularly, I wanted to show I noticed without making a big deal. Small things really worked well. I’d sometimes leave a short note on their desk or a funny sticker on their door. It was quick for me but made them smile.
Another thing that worked was mentioning their good work to other family members when the kids were around. Like, I’d tell my husband, “Did you see how well Tommy cleaned the kitchen?” The kids pretended not to care, but I could tell they liked it.
Sometimes, I’d let them pick what we had for dinner or choose a movie for family night as a thank you. It didn’t cost anything extra, but it showed I appreciated their help. These little gestures kept them motivated without feeling like I was bribing them. 
In our house, we’ve had success with a simple ‘appreciation jar.’ The kids drop in a pebble or marble when they finish a chore. It’s become a fun visual way to see their efforts add up over time.
We also started pointing out how their chores help the whole family. Like ‘Thanks for setting the table, now we can all enjoy dinner together!’ This helps them feel part of the team.
Sometimes we do a quick family dance party after chores are done. It’s silly but the kids love it. It’s a nice way to transition from work to fun.
These little things seem to keep them motivated without big rewards. They just like knowing we notice and appreciate their help.
A simple ‘thanks’ when they finish goes far. My kids like seeing a tally on the fridge for completed chores. It’s a quick visual reminder.
Letting them pick a weekend activity after a good week of chores works too. No big rewards, just acknowledgment.
I’ve found that simple acknowledgments go a long way with my kid. Sometimes I’ll give a thumbs up or a high five when I see a job well done. It’s quick but effective.
Recently, I started a ‘chore star’ system on our fridge. For each completed task, they get to put up a star sticker. At the end of the week, we count them up. It’s become a fun little ritual.
Occasionally, I’ll surprise them with extra screen time or a special snack as a thank you. Nothing big, just little perks that show I notice their efforts. It seems to keep them motivated without feeling like a bribe.
I’ve been trying to show appreciation for my 5-year-old’s chores too. It’s tricky to find the right balance.
Recently, I started giving specific praise. Instead of just saying ‘good job,’ I’ll say something like ‘Wow, you put all your blocks in the basket. That makes the room look so nice!’
I’m curious about other small gestures that work. Has anyone tried a chore chart or stickers? Do kids that age respond well to visual trackers?
Sometimes I let my child choose a special activity after chores are done, like extra playground time. But I worry if that’s creating an expectation of rewards. How do you handle that balance?