Parenting Advice: My Reward Board Works for Chores!

Like many parents, I'm always looking for a better way to get my kids to do their chores and be more helpful around the house. Parenting advice about chores is everywhere, and we've tried many different charts and systems, but the best one I've found yet is My Reward Board.

My Reward Board is a downloadable program for keeping track of kids' chores, goals, rewards and allowances. It was created by Barton Listick, the original creator of the JumpStart learning programs and is available for only $19.95. That's the flat fee to purchase the software download - no monthly charges. They also offer a free, no-risk 15-day trial of the program (that's what we started with).

Setting up My Reward Board is easy. You set up each child separately with his or her own list of chores. The software includes a list of tasks to choose from, but you can also add your own tasks as needed. Each child gets their own computerized sticker chart, where they (or you) can add an animated happy face for each task completed. The happy faces give a loud cheer as they're placed.

The Reward Board program awards points for each happy face as well. The system is set to award a maximum of 200 points per week, which is divided between the various chores to be completed. For instance, if your child has two chores to complete each day, or fourteen per week, she will receive approximately 14 points per task completed. Kids also earn five extra points for each gold medal day - days with all chores completed.

Points are paid out weekly, on Sundays, and are then available for reward redemption. A treasure chest full of suggested rewards is available, including things like a new outfit, candy, and a trip to the movies. Rewards are also customizable - we deleted several and added some of our own. Most recently, the girls saved their points and redeemed them for a trip to the zoo.

My Reward Board can also keep track of allowances. Allowances can be tied to completion of chores, or not, according to parent preference. Our program is set to award allowances only if at least 70 percent of the weekly chores were completed. The program keeps track of funds awarded as a running balance, so parents can hold onto the money and kids can withdraw it as needed. A parent password can be required for withdrawals and modifications.

Finally, My Reward Board also has a goal tracking system. Kids and parents can set goals for things like behavior and academics, and award points for completion of goals. For instance, we set up a goal for our almost-toilet-trained three year old to stay dry all day for one week. After doing that, she received a certain number of points. Our then-six year old had a goal for keeping her temper each day. It's all customizable.

There are also a couple of games thrown in for good measure. It's a fun little program, and the kids enjoy using it. I asked my kids what they're favorite part is, and they both said, "Allowance!" The eldest said that's "because it helps you learn how to save money for things that you'd like to get." She's saving for an American Girl doll, and her sister is saving for a new doll outfit.

This program was well worth the money for us. The kids are engaged and involved in doing the housework and in the record-keeping. We all enjoy the rewards, and awarding allowances is much easier (I rarely have cash on hand, and it tends to get lost in the kids' rooms). I highly recommend My Reward Board to families of the 21^st century.