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Parents' guide

Start in a weekend. Keep it for years.

A practical playbook for running a fair, encouraging chore economy at home — with or without an app.

Six steps to a system that sticks.

  1. 01

    Sit down together

    Explain it as a family agreement, not a new rule. Let the kids help name the currency — Stars, Bucks, Gems, Tickets. Ownership starts here.

  2. 02

    Pick 3–5 chores each

    Start small and age-appropriate (see below). A few chores done well beat a long list that gets ignored.

  3. 03

    Set the scale

    Quick jobs 5–15 points, medium 20–40, big ones 50–100. Set your household’s default so every offer starts in the right place.

  4. 04

    Agree what points are worth

    Decide together what points can become — screen time, a family movie pick, an outing, or allowance (say, 100 Stars = $10). Write it down. Cash Out records every settlement.

  5. 05

    Approve with words, not just points

    When you tap Approve and pay, say exactly what they did well. Specific praise for effort is what turns a reward into a habit.

  6. 06

    Review weekly, fade over time

    Look at the ledger together once a week. When a chore has become routine, lower its points and keep the praise.

Chores by age

What they can handle — and what it might be worth.

Suggested starting points. Every child is different; adjust to fit yours.

Ages 4–6

  • Make your bed5
  • Set the table5
  • Put toys away5
  • Feed the pet5
  • Match the socks5

Ages 7–9

  • Load the dishwasher10
  • Take the bins out10
  • Water the plants10
  • Fold your own laundry20
  • Tidy your bedroom20

Ages 10–12

  • Vacuum a room20
  • Walk the dog25
  • Clean the bathroom30
  • Help cook dinner30
  • Wash the car50

Ages 13–17

  • Do your laundry, start to finish30
  • Run a local errand30
  • Mow the lawn60
  • Cook a family meal60
  • Clear out the garage80

The small things that make it work.

DoReward the jobs nobody loves.

Don’tPut points on reading for fun, drawing or play.

DoSay what they did well: “Every dish is in the rack.”

Don’tRely on “good job” or “you’re so smart.”

DoUse Send it back with a clear, kind reason.

Don’tTake away points they already earned as a punishment.

DoOffer Choice rewards so kids have a say.

Don’tUse chores themselves as a penalty.

Why these work — and the research behind them — is on The science of yes.[11][10]

Say it like this

Words that turn points into pride.

When you approve
“You swept the whole garage and put the bikes on the hooks. That’s 80 Stars — thank you.”
When you send it back
“The floor looks great. The recycling still needs sorting — finish that and it’s done.”
When they counter
“Sunday works. Thanks for telling me why — that’s exactly how to ask.”
When a habit forms
“You’ve made your bed every day this month without a reminder. That’s just who you are now.”

General guidance for families, not professional advice. If you have concerns about your child's behavior or development, talk to your pediatrician.