Premium controls solve different family problems.

Start with the problem.

Then choose the control.

At a Glance

Family need	Control
Family members should take turns	Rotate
Several people should work together	Collaborate
First valid completer should earn the value	Compete
Child can choose optional extra work	Bonus chore
Parent needs to review the result	Parent Approval
A photo makes the finish line clearer	Photo Proof
Late completion should no longer be allowed	Lock
Late work still helps but should earn less	Late Penalty
One reminder is not enough	Multiple reminders
Fixed days do not fit the frequency	Custom schedule
A chore needs several steps	S’mart List

Individual and As Needed chores remain available in Free.

Rotate

Use Rotate when selected family members should take turns.

Good examples:

• Take out trash
• Empty dishwasher
• Feed the dog
• Set the table

The person assigned for that occurrence receives the full S’mores value.

Collaborate

Use Collaborate when several people work together on one result.

Good examples:

• Clean the garage
• Prepare for guests
• Organize a playroom
• Complete a family project

The total S’mores value is split among participants.

Compete

Use Compete for selected friendly challenges.

Good examples:

• Sort a laundry pile
• Claim a quick cleanup
• Pick up shared clutter

The first valid completer receives the full value.

Avoid Compete when rushing is unsafe or sibling comparison creates tension.

Bonus Chore

Use Bonus for optional extra work.

Examples:

• Organize the shoe area
• Help fold towels
• Clean a shared shelf
• Help prepare for guests

The person who claims and completes it receives the full value.

Parent Approval

Use Approval when quality or a clear finish line matters.

S’mores wait until approval.

If rejected:

• No S’mores are awarded
• The chore returns to the active list
• The child can correct and resubmit
• The original submitted photo is no longer visible

Photo Proof

Use Photo Proof when a picture helps the parent review the result.

A photo does not replace clear instructions.

Lock

Use Lock when completing the chore late no longer solves the problem.

The incomplete chore becomes locked after it is past due.

Late Penalty

Use Late Penalty when the work still matters after the deadline.

The chore stays available but awards fewer S’mores.

Multiple Reminders

Use multiple reminders when the chore needs more than one useful nudge.

Example:

Pack backpack

• Evening planning reminder
• Morning due-time reminder

Free includes one reminder.

Premium adds more than one.

Custom Schedules

Use a custom schedule when fixed days are not the main goal.

Examples:

• Practice piano three times per week
• Clean backpack twice per month
• Sort clothes once per quarter

Custom X-times-per-period schedules are Premium-only.

S’mart Lists

Use a S’mart List when the chore has several steps.

It can reduce:

• Vague expectations
• Half-finished chores
• Repeated explanations
• Approval disagreements

Keep the list short enough for the child to use.

What Does Not Belong in This List

These are useful S’moresUp features, but they are not Premium chore controls:

• Individual
• As Needed
• One reminder
• Standard schedules
• Home and Away status
• Smart appliance integrations
• Google Calendar sync
• Wallet

Home and Away is a per-child profile status, not a Premium chore freeze.

Smart appliance events create follow-up chores but do not automatically complete them.

Use the Lightest Control

A simple chore may need only:

• Clear name
• One owner
• Normal schedule
• One reminder

Do not add Premium controls only because they are available.

A smaller setup that gets used is stronger than a complex setup the family avoids.

Common Questions

Are all non-Individual chore types Premium?

No. As Needed is available in Free.

Can Approval and Photo Proof be combined?

Yes.

Can Lock and Late Penalty be combined?

Verify whether the current app allows both on one chore and which behavior takes priority.

Does a custom schedule replace reminders?

No.

Is Away mode a Premium chore control?

No confirmed Premium gate. It should be documented with child profile settings, not as Chore Freeze.

Best First Action

Choose one family problem from the table.

Add only the control that solves it.

Related Articles

• How to Choose the Right Chore Type
• How to Combine Parent Approval and Photo Proof
• How to Choose Between Lock and Late Penalty
• How S’mart Lists Help Explain Multi-Step Chores