Using a Point System for Children's Chores

Assigning household chores to children teaches real world responsibility, and can ease the load of already overworked parents. Using a point system helps to reinforce the benefits, and consequences, of doing assigned chores.

1. Keep it age appropriate

Asking your four year old to mow the lawn isn't appropriate, but a twelve year old should be able to handle it, with some supervision. Make sure that your child can handle each chore that you assign to them, and make sure they aren't so overloaded with chores that they have no time for homework and for playtime.

2. Decide what points are worth

Before deciding how many points a chore is worth, decide how much a point is worth. You can assign a dollar value, i.e. 1 point = 1 cent or 1 point = 1 dollar, or you can assign a value such as 100 points = 1 video game. Use items that your child likes. If they collect Yu-Gi-Oh or Pokemon cards, then perhaps you could say 50 points = 1 pack of cards. Also set a huge, but realistic goal, such as 5,000 points = a new bike.

3. Make sure that you can afford the point values.

If you can't afford to give your child the reward that they've earned, then it defeats the purpose of using the system. Disappointment is a lesson that life will teach them; you don't want to add to it.

4. Decide how often they can cash in points.

Consider timing this with your pay periods.

5. Set up a system for tracking points.

I use two empty checkbook registers, one for my son, and one for myself. He is required to track his own points, I track them as well. I gave him an old set of checks from a closed account (I blacked out the account numbers), and when he wants to cash in his points, he writes me a points check. He then has to balance his check book. Each month I give him a statement where that he can reconcile his checkbook with. This also helps to teach him some financial responsibility.

6. Decide how much points a chore is worth.

Be fair about this. Estimate how long it will take your child to do a satisfactory job. Convert the point amount to dollars, and 'pay' them minimum wage. They'll feel valued knowing that they are earning what an adult might earn. As an example, let's say that doing the dishes takes 30 minutes. Federal minimum wage is $5.15 per hour, so the half hour of dishes would earn $2.58. Round this to make it easier. You could award 250 points (1 point = 1 cent), 25 points (1 point = 10 cents) or 2.5 points (1 point = 1 dollar).

7. Pay by chore, not hourly.

While I advocate using an hourly rate to estimate how much a chore is worth, keep that value consist no matter how long it takes your child to do the job. This will encourage efficiency, and help avoiding playing around "on the clock." Using the dishes example, it should ALWAYS be worth 250 (or 25 or 2.5) points, even if your child takes an hour to do them (this is assuming dishes are done each night and it's REASONABLE that they should only take ½ hour). The child should not get rewarded for playing around when they are supposed to be working.

8. Deduct points for chores left undone.

Let your child know that if they don't complete an assigned chore that they'll lose points. Explain to them that if you have to do a chore for them, they have to pay YOU the points the would have earned for it, in addition to not earning those points themselves. After going into debt to me, my son learned very quickly to get things done.

Using a point system is a fun way to reward your child for helping around the house.