Parent Approval lets an adult review a completed chore before it is fully accepted and rewarded.

It is useful when quality, safety, or a clear finish line matters.

Use approval selectively. A family should not need to review every pair of shoes placed by the door.

Quick Start

1. Open the chore from a parent profile.
2. Turn on Parent Approval.
3. Explain what finished looks like.
4. Let the child complete and submit the chore.
5. Review it in the approval area.
6. Approve it or reject it with a clear reason.
7. Confirm the S’mores after approval.

What Approval Changes

Without approval, a completed chore can move directly to Done and award S’mores according to the setup.

With approval:

1. The child completes the chore.
2. The child submits it.
3. The chore waits for a parent.
4. The parent approves or rejects it.
5. S’mores are finalized only after approval.

Approval creates a review step. It should not change the expectation after the child submits the work.

When Approval Helps

Approval is useful for chores such as:

• Clean the bathroom counter
• Fold and put away laundry
• Clean a bedroom
• Complete a homework routine
• Load the dishwasher correctly
• Organize a shared space
• Prepare a simple meal
• Complete a new skill the child is learning

These chores have a result the parent may need to check.

When Approval May Be Unnecessary

Approval may add more work than value for chores such as:

• Put shoes away
• Brush teeth
• Put laundry in the hamper
• Carry a plate to the sink
• Place the backpack by the door

If the parent is approving dozens of simple chores every day, the setup may be too heavy.

Kids should be able to complete many normal responsibilities and see progress without waiting for a parent.

Explain the Finish Line First

Approval works best when the child knows what will be reviewed.

Try:

The chore is done when the counter and sink are wiped, the mirror is clear, and the items are put back.

Avoid:

I will tell you if it is good enough.

Use instructions, a picture, or a Smart List when the result has several parts.

The Child Submits the Chore

After completing the work, the child marks the chore complete.

If Photo Proof is required, the child adds the picture.

The chore then appears for parent review.

The child should understand that submitted means:

I completed the work and believe it meets the agreed finish line.

Approve the Chore

Approve when the chore is complete.

Approval:

• Accepts the current occurrence
• Finalizes the S’mores
• Moves the chore to completed progress
• Ends the review step

S’mores are awarded according to the chore type.

Examples:

• Individual gives the full value to the assigned person.
• Rotate gives the full value to the person assigned for that occurrence.
• Collaborate splits the total among participants.
• Compete gives the full value to the first valid completer.

Each recipient’s earned amount can then be allocated between Save and Spend.

Reject the Chore

Reject when the work does not meet the agreed finish line.

A rejected chore is sent back to the assigned family member.

The child can correct the work and submit it again.

Give specific feedback:

The clothes are put away. Please place the empty basket in the laundry room and submit again.

Avoid vague or emotional feedback:

You never finish properly.

The expected S’mores are not finalized until the chore is approved.

Review Resubmitted Work

When the child submits the corrected chore, review the new result.

Recognize the correction:

You fixed the missing step and completed the chore.

This turns rejection into feedback rather than a dead end.

Use Photo Proof with Approval

Photo Proof can make approval faster when the parent is not nearby.

Good combinations include:

• Made bed
• Cleaned bedroom
• Organized desk
• Put away laundry
• Cleaned pet area

A photo should help the parent review the result. It should not replace clear instructions.

Keep the Approval Queue Manageable

Check approvals at a regular time.

Examples:

• After dinner
• Before bedtime
• During the evening family check-in
• Once after school and once in the evening

If the queue keeps growing:

• Turn approval off for simple chores
• Improve the instructions
• Use Photo Proof only where useful
• Share approval responsibility with another adult
• Review notifications
• Approve completed work promptly

A long wait weakens the connection between work and reward.

Common Questions

When are S’mores awarded?

When approval is required, S’mores are finalized after the parent approves the chore.

What happens when a chore is rejected?

It returns to the assigned family member so the work can be corrected and submitted again.

Can a parent reject only part of a Collaborate chore?

The exact product behavior should be verified. Use clear roles and instructions before the group starts.

Can approval be used with Photo Proof?

Yes, where supported.

Should every Premium chore require approval?

No. Premium gives the family more control, but the best setup uses only the controls that help.

Can another adult approve chores?

Trusted adult profiles may help manage approvals based on current permissions. Verify the live role behavior.

Best First Action

Turn on approval for one chore that is often completed halfway.

Explain the finish line before the child starts, then review the first submission promptly.

Related Articles

• How Chores Move from Pending to Done
• How Photo Proof Works
• Add Clear Instructions to a Chore
• How Chores Work in S’moresUp