Children can use S’moresUp with different levels of independence.

A younger child may complete chores with a parent on a shared tablet. An older child may use their own phone, receive reminders, add Photo Proof, and review their Wallet.

Choose access based on readiness—not only age.

Three Common Access Levels

Parent-assisted

The parent opens the child profile and helps with the chore flow.

Shared-device

The child switches to their profile on a family phone or tablet.

Personal-device

The child uses their own device and profile.

Families can move from one level to another as the child grows.

Parent-Assisted Use

Parent-assisted access works well when the child:

• Is very young
• Does not read independently
• Is learning the app
• Needs help taking Photo Proof
• Does not have a device

The parent can:

1. Open the child profile.
2. Read the chore.
3. Let the child complete the work.
4. Help mark it done.
5. Show the earned S’mores.
6. Return to the parent profile.

The child still learns that responsibility becomes visible progress.

Shared-Device Use

Shared-device access works well when:

• Several children use one tablet
• Children do not need personal notifications
• The family wants one chore station
• The parent wants to protect adult settings with a PIN

Teach each child to:

• Open the correct profile
• Check today’s chores
• Mark only their work complete
• Return to the profile chooser
• Avoid using a sibling’s Wallet or rewards

Use recognizable photos and PINs.

Personal-Device Use

A child may be ready for personal-device access when they can:

• Open the app without help
• Read the chore and instructions
• Respond to reminders
• Mark work complete honestly
• Add Photo Proof
• Understand approval
• Review S’mores
• Make supported Reward Shelf or Wallet choices
• Protect their device and PIN

Start with a few chores and one reminder.

More access should lead to more ownership—not more notifications.

What Children Can See

A child view may include:

• Assigned chores
• Due times
• Reminders
• Chore instructions
• Photo Proof
• Approval status
• Rejected or returned chores
• S’mores
• Reward Shelf
• Wallet information
• Save and Spend
• Streaks
• Campfire based on settings

Exact child screens and controls should be verified.

What Parents Still Control

Parents manage the family system.

Parent actions may include:

• Creating chores
• Assigning family members
• Setting schedules
• Setting S’mores values
• Turning on approval
• Turning on Photo Proof
• Excusing an occurrence
• Managing rewards
• Reviewing Weekly View
• Managing family settings

The child completes work inside the rules the parent sets.

Reminders and Notifications

Children can receive chore reminders.

Parents can receive separate reminders for a child’s chore and notifications when work is completed.

Use reminders to reduce repeated verbal follow-up.

If a reminder becomes noise:

• Change the time
• Reduce the number
• Remove it
• Rewrite the chore
• Check whether the child is ready for independent access

S’mores, Reward Shelf, and Wallet

Children can see the connection between work and reward.

Depending on the current access and settings, a child may be able to:

• Review earned S’mores
• See Spend and Save amounts
• View Reward Shelf items
• Request a reward
• Review savings goals
• Use supported Wallet actions

Parents still manage the family rules.

When to Give More Independence

Increase access when the child shows:

• Honest completion
• Regular app check-ins
• Care with the device
• Understanding of approval
• Better follow-through
• Thoughtful Save and Spend choices
• Less need for parent reminders

Add one responsibility at a time.

When to Add More Support

Add support when:

• The child marks work complete without doing it
• Notifications are ignored
• Sibling profiles are mixed up
• Wallet actions are confusing
• The child needs help reading instructions
• The app creates arguments instead of clarity

Moving back to a shared device is not a punishment. It may be the better setup for now.

Common Questions

Does a child need their own phone?

No.

Can a child receive reminders on a shared device?

The device can receive notifications, but the family should confirm who will respond.

Can a child approve their own chore?

No. Parent Approval is an adult review step.

Can a child excuse a chore?

No. Excuse is a parent action.

Can a child see Wallet information?

Supported Wallet visibility and actions depend on current settings and access.

Best First Action

Choose the access level that fits the child today.

Give them one chore, one reminder, and one clear way to see the S’mores they earn.

Related Articles

• How to Add a Child
• How to Use S’moresUp on a Shared Device
• How Parent and Child Views Differ
• How to Set Up S’moresUp for Different Ages