A reward does not need to cost money.

Privileges, experiences, time, and family choices can be meaningful rewards.

They can also help S’moresUp stay focused on responsibility instead of turning every chore into a cash transaction.

Good Non-Money Reward Ideas

Family choices

• Choose the family movie
• Pick dinner
• Choose the family game
• Pick the weekend activity
• Choose the music in the car

Time and privileges

• Extra game time
• Extra creative time
• Stay up 15 minutes later
• Choose the bedtime story
• One-on-one parent time

Experiences

• Family game night
• Park trip
• Bake together
• Bike ride
• Choose a family outing

Responsibility-based privileges

• Choose a new household responsibility
• Help plan dinner
• Be the family DJ
• Pick the route for a walk

Choose rewards the family can actually honor.

Match the Reward to the Child

Different children care about different things.

One child may value screen time.

Another may prefer:

• Time with a parent
• Choosing dinner
• A creative activity
• A family outing
• Extra independence

Ask the child for ideas, then let the parent choose what belongs on the Reward Shelf.

Set a Clear Reward

A reward should explain what the child receives.

Instead of:

Extra screen time

Try:

30 extra minutes of game time on Saturday

Instead of:

Special time

Try:

Choose one 30-minute activity with a parent

Clear rewards reduce arguments during approval.

Choose a Fair Cost

A small privilege should be reachable.

Example:

• Choose the family song: 30 S’mores
• Pick dessert: 75 S’mores
• 30 extra game minutes: 150 S’mores
• Choose a family outing: 500 S’mores

The exact values depend on the family’s earning system.

Review how long the reward takes to earn.

Use Approval for Timing

A non-money reward may still affect the family schedule.

Approval helps the parent check:

• Is today a good time?
• Has the child already used the reward?
• Does the reward fit the family rule?
• Can the parent provide it?
• Is the child requesting from the correct profile?

When approved, S’mores are deducted automatically.

Rewards Should Support the Habit

Use rewards to:

• Help a new routine get started
• Recognize effort
• Make progress visible
• Build saving skills
• Add choice
• Celebrate follow-through

Do not make the reward the only reason to contribute.

Some chores may remain normal family responsibilities without S’mores.

Use Small and Large Rewards

A balanced shelf may include:

Small

Reachable in a few days.

Medium

Requires one or two weeks.

Large

Requires saving and planning.

This gives children a reason to use Spend, Save, and Goal.

Family Rewards

A non-money reward may be shared by everyone.

Examples:

• Movie night
• Family game night
• Choose the weekend walk
• Pick a special meal

Because there is no pooled Family Reward account, one member collects and redeems the S’mores.

Refresh the Shelf

Update rewards when:

• The child outgrows them
• The season changes
• The family schedule changes
• A reward is no longer possible
• The child has a new interest
• The reward is requested too often

An old reward list becomes background noise.

Common Problems

The child wants only money

Keep Cash-Out available if it fits, but add experiences and privileges.

The reward causes more work than the chore

Choose something simpler.

The child does not care about the reward

Let them suggest new options.

The reward is used at a bad time

Require approval and explain timing rules.

Every chore becomes a negotiation

Keep some responsibilities outside the reward system.

Common Questions

Can rewards be free for the parent?

Yes.

Can a reward be family time?

Yes.

Can one reward be for everyone?

Yes, using one member’s account for the redemption.

Should every child see the same rewards?

Not necessarily. Verify current visibility controls.

Can non-money rewards use approval?

Yes.

Best First Action

Ask each child for three reward ideas that do not involve buying something.

Choose one realistic option and add it to the Reward Shelf.

Related Articles

• How the Reward Shelf Works
• How to Use Rewards for One Child or the Whole Family
• How Many S’mores Should a Chore Be Worth?
• Rewards and S’mores