The short answer: the rewards that work best are ones kids help pick and can earn quickly. Think extra time (a later bedtime, more play), choices (picking dinner or the movie), outings, privileges, and saving up for something bigger. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to praise effort rather than results, and that tangible rewards like allowances or stickers tied to finished chores are worth considering.
Rewards work best paired with chores that fit your child's age. Our age-by-age chore chart lists jobs for toddlers through teens, built on the AAP's own list.
Start with praise
The AAP calls honest praise one of the most effective ways to motivate a child. Praise the effort, not just the result, and don't expect perfection while a skill is new. It also suggests praising kids for starting a chore without a reminder, not only for finishing it. Rewards sit on top of that; they don't replace it.
Why quick rewards beat end-of-month ones
A reward promised for the end of the month is a long wait for a young child. The AAP's advice on reward charts favors rewards that come often: give small rewards for a set number of points at the end of each day or week, save larger rewards for longer stretches, and keep enthusiasm up by reinforcing good behavior often. Keep the chart where your child can see it, so progress is visible every day.
Reward ideas by type
- Time: 15 minutes later to bed, extra screen time, extra play before homework, a longer bath or story.
- Choices: pick dinner, the movie, the music in the car, the weekend breakfast or the board game.
- Outings: the park, the library, a bike ride, a picnic, a trip for ice cream.
- Privileges: choosing the weekend activity, a friend over, staying up for a family show, skipping one chore.
- One-on-one time: baking together, a walk with one parent, a game of their choice.
- Small treats: a sticker sheet, a new book, a small toy, a special snack.
- Money: a set amount per star, or stars that convert to savings toward something bigger.
The AAP also suggests treating screen time and electronics as privileges rather than rights, which makes extra screen time an easy reward to offer.
Ideas by age
| Age | What to try | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | Small, immediate and physical | A sticker per chore, picking the bedtime story, a dance party |
| 6 to 8 | Stars on a chart, traded for small rewards | Choosing dinner, a park trip, 15 minutes later to bed |
| 9 to 12 | Points saved toward bigger goals | A friend over, a movie night pick, money toward a toy or game |
| Teens | Privileges, independence and money | A later weekend curfew, the car once they drive, a budget for an outing |
The AAP suggests paper stars on a chart for early school-age kids, and points or a simple contract for older ones. For teens, the AAP's teen chores advice also points out that a busy schedule or a part-time job isn't a reason to stop helping at home.
Setting star prices (printable reward menu)
Sit down with your child and fill this in together. The AAP suggests letting kids help choose rewards so the rewards mean something to them, and being clear about what earns each one. The prices below are only a starting point.
| Reward | Type | Example price | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick the bedtime story | Choice | 2 stars | |
| 15 minutes later to bed | Time | 5 stars | |
| Choose dinner | Choice | 8 stars | |
| Trip to the park or library | Outing | 10 stars | |
| A friend over | Privilege | 15 stars | |
| Movie night, their pick | Choice | 20 stars | |
| Something they're saving for | Big goal | 50 stars or more | |
A simple rule: if a child doing their usual chores can't earn the cheapest reward within a day or two, it's priced too high. Review the menu at a family meeting every few weeks, which the AAP also suggests for checking how chores are going.
What to avoid
- Taking stars away. The AAP advises against penalties and demerits on a reward chart, because they can humiliate a child or put them off trying. Use the chart to measure success.
- Nagging. The AAP says rewarding successes and encouraging kids works better than scolding.
- Too much at once. For kids new to chores, add one task at a time.
Easing off rewards over time
Rewards are a way to build the habit, not a permanent deal. The AAP suggests phasing a reward program out gradually once the behavior sticks, and says a good sign is when your child loses interest or forgets to ask for their points. Keep the praise going after the stars stop. For more on building the habit, see getting kids to help with chores.
Questions people ask
What are good rewards for a chore chart?
Rewards your child helps choose and cares about. Time (a later bedtime, extra play), choices (picking dinner or the movie), outings and privileges cost little or nothing and work for most ages. See our chores by age chart for jobs to pair them with.
Should I pay kids for chores?
It's a family choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics says tangible rewards like allowances and stickers tied to completed chores are worth considering, alongside honest praise for effort.
How many stars should a reward cost?
Price small rewards so they can be earned in a day or a few days, and bigger ones over a week or more. The AAP suggests small rewards at the end of each day or week, with larger rewards for longer stretches.
Do reward charts work?
The AAP describes a chore chart as a visual reminder that gives kids a sense of accomplishment, and suggests rewards tied to points when praise alone isn't enough. It also says to phase rewards out as the habit sticks.
What rewards work for teens?
Try privileges and independence rather than small treats: a later curfew on weekends, use of the car once they drive, choosing a family outing, or money toward something they're saving for.
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Sources
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Age-appropriate chores for children
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Positive reinforcement through rewards
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Household chores for teens
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