Compete makes a chore available as a friendly challenge.

The first family member to complete it receives the full S’mores value.

Use Compete for selected chores that become easier to start with a little energy or choice. Do not turn the whole household into a contest.

When to Use Compete

Good Compete chores include:

• Claim a quick cleanup
• Sort a laundry pile
• Pick up clutter from a shared area
• Organize books or toys
• Complete an optional family task
• Handle a small job before dinner

These chores should be:

• Safe
• Clear
• Easy to judge
• Available to participants with similar ability
• Appropriate for a first-completer reward

When Not to Use Compete

Avoid Compete when:

• Rushing is unsafe
• Quality matters more than speed
• The children have very different abilities
• The chore already causes sibling tension
• The responsibility belongs to one person
• The job requires teamwork
• A child may feel embarrassed by comparison

Use Individual, Rotate, or Collaborate instead.

How S’mores Are Awarded

The first family member to complete the chore receives the full S’mores value.

Example:

Chore: Sort the clean towels
Value: 20 S’mores
Participants: Maya and Noah

Maya completes the chore first and receives all 20 S’mores.

Her allocation setup then determines how the 20 are divided between Save and Spend.

The value is not split among all participants.

Define a Valid Completion

Before the family starts, explain what counts.

Example:

The towels are sorted when bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths are in three separate piles.

The first person to tap complete should also be the first person to finish the real work.

If Parent Approval is on, the reward is finalized after the first valid completion is approved.

Confirm what happens when the first submission is rejected and another family member also completes the chore.

Set Up the Chore

1. Choose Compete as the chore type.
2. Select the participating family members.
3. Write a clear finish line.
4. Set a S’mores value.
5. Add a due time or availability window if needed.
6. Add approval or Photo Proof when the result needs review.
7. Explain that the first valid completion earns the full value.

Keep the setup easy to understand.

Keep It Friendly

Say:

This is a quick family challenge. The first person who finishes the chore correctly earns 20 S’mores.

Also recognize everyone who made a good effort.

Avoid:

• Comparing children’s worth
• Calling the slower child lazy
• Using Compete for every responsibility
• Creating a winner and loser several times a day
• Letting one older child claim every chore

Compete should add a little fun, not more arguing.

Give Everyone a Fair Chance

Review:

• Age
• Skill
• Device access
• Notification access
• Availability
• Physical ability
• Whether one child is always online first

If one child wins every time, the system may reward access rather than effort.

Rotate Bonus opportunities or create separate age-appropriate Compete chores.

Use Approval When Quality Matters

Parent Approval can confirm that the first completion also met the finish line.

Example:

Chore: Ten-minute playroom reset

The first child submits the chore. The parent checks that toys are in the correct bins before approving the S’mores.

Rejected chores return for correction.

Because the first-completer edge case can become complex after rejection, verify current product behavior before publishing detailed rules.

Compete Versus Bonus

Use Compete when several family members can try for one chore.

Use Bonus when the chore is an optional extra opportunity that one person can claim or complete.

Both can award the full value to one person, but the family expectation is different.

Compete Versus Collaborate

Use Compete for the first valid completer.

Use Collaborate when everyone should work together and split the total value.

Example:

• Compete: First person to sort the towels earns 20 S’mores.
• Collaborate: Two children sort and put away all family laundry, splitting 40 S’mores.

Review the Result

After a few uses, ask:

• Did the chore get completed?
• Did the challenge feel fun?
• Was the finish line clear?
• Did everyone have a fair chance?
• Did rushing lower the quality?
• Did it create more arguing?

Switch the chore type when Compete stops helping.

Common Questions

Does the first person to tap complete always win?

The first valid completion should receive the value. Approval may be required before the reward is finalized.

Is the S’mores value split?

No. The first completer receives the full value.

Can Compete repeat?

Yes, when scheduled to repeat. Review fairness across occurrences.

Can a Compete chore use Photo Proof?

Yes, where supported.

What if competition creates tension?

Change the chore to Rotate, Collaborate, Individual, or Bonus.

Best First Action

Try one small, safe Compete chore this weekend.

Explain the finish line, keep the S’mores value modest, and review whether the challenge was actually fun.

Related Articles

• Chore Types in S’moresUp
• How Collaborate Chores Work
• How Bonus Chores Work
• How to Assign Chores