Children do not need the same chores, reminders, rewards, or device access.

The best setup matches:

• Age
• Ability
• Safety
• Reading level
• School schedule
• Independence
• Family expectations

The goal is not to give every child the same system.

It is to help each child take more ownership over time.

Start with What the Child Can Do

Ask:

• Can the child understand the chore?
• Can they complete it safely?
• Do they know what finished looks like?
• Can they remember the steps?
• Do they need a reminder?
• Can they mark the chore complete honestly?
• Are they ready to use S’mores and rewards?
• Do they need a shared device?

Match the app setup to the child—not only the chore.

Younger Children

Younger children often need:

• Short chore names
• One-step responsibilities
• A shared device
• Parent help
• Pictures
• Simple S’mores values
• Quick rewards
• Specific praise

Good chores:

• Put toys in the basket
• Put shoes by the door
• Carry clothes to the hamper
• Feed a pet with help
• Place a plate in the sink

Example setup:

Chore: Put toys in the basket
Timing: Anytime before bedtime
S’mores: 5
Device: Shared tablet
Approval: Off

The parent helps the child open the profile and mark the chore complete.

School-Age Children

School-age children can often manage:

• Multi-step chores
• One or two reminders
• A shared or personal device
• Reward Shelf choices
• Simple Save and Spend decisions
• Basic Weekly View conversations
• Selected Parent Approval

Good chores:

• Make the bed
• Pack the backpack
• Feed the pet
• Clear the table
• Sort laundry
• Put the lunchbox in the sink

Example setup:

Chore: Pack backpack
Due: 7:30 AM
Reminder: 7:15 AM
S’mores: 10
Device: Shared tablet or child device
Approval: Off

Tweens

Tweens can often take more control over timing and planning.

Use:

• Personal-device access where appropriate
• Anytime chores
• Weekly responsibilities
• Rotate
• Bonus chores
• Save and Spend
• Savings goals
• Fewer parent reminders
• Selected Photo Proof

Good chores:

• Manage personal laundry
• Prepare a school bag
• Clean a shared bathroom area
• Help prepare dinner
• Take ownership of pet care
• Organize school papers

Example setup:

Chore: Personal laundry
Schedule: Weekly
Timing: Anytime Saturday
S’mores: 25
Reminder: Saturday morning
Approval: On for the first few weeks

Teens

Teens may be ready for:

• Personal-device access
• Weekly or custom schedules
• Fewer reminders
• Larger responsibilities
• Wallet and savings goals
• Allowance choices
• Family Calendar responsibilities
• More independent Reward Shelf use
• Review of Weekly View with a parent

Good responsibilities:

• Manage personal laundry
• Prepare one meal
• Handle a weekly household chore
• Track school deadlines
• Help with family transportation planning
• Manage one part of pet care
• Save toward a larger goal

Example setup:

Chore: Prepare one dinner side
Schedule: Twice per week
Timing: Anytime before dinner
S’mores: 30
Reminder: Planning reminder after school
Approval: Off after the skill is established

Shared Device Versus Personal Device

Shared device may fit when:

• The child is younger
• The child needs help
• The family wants one chore station
• The child does not need personal reminders

Personal device may fit when:

• The child checks chores independently
• Notifications help
• The child protects the device and PIN
• The child understands honest completion
• The child can manage S’mores and rewards

A phone is an access choice based on readiness.

Reminders by Age

Younger child

The parent may receive the reminder and help the child act.

School-age child

The child may receive one reminder before the chore.

Tween

Use reminders for time-sensitive chores and planning.

Teen

Reduce reminders as ownership grows.

A reminder should point to one clear action.

S’mores and Rewards by Age

Younger child

Use small, visible rewards.

Examples:

• Pick the family movie
• Choose dessert
• Extra playtime

School-age child

Add short saving goals.

Tween

Use Spend and Save choices.

Teen

Connect allowance, savings goals, and larger rewards where appropriate.

Not every child needs the same reward system.

Approval and Photo Proof by Age

Use approval when:

• The child is learning
• Quality matters
• Safety matters
• The finish line needs review

Use Photo Proof when:

• The parent is not nearby
• A picture shows the result
• The chore is easy to review visually

Remove these controls when the child shows reliable ownership.

Increase Responsibility Over Time

A simple progression:

1. Parent helps complete the chore.
2. Child marks it complete on a shared device.
3. Child responds to one reminder.
4. Child uses a personal device.
5. Child manages Anytime chores.
6. Child reviews Save and Spend.
7. Child owns weekly responsibilities.
8. Child helps review what should change.

Growth should reduce parent follow-up.

Common Questions

Should siblings have the same number of chores?

Not necessarily. Review time, effort, age, school, and ability.

Should older children earn more S’mores?

The value can reflect effort and responsibility.

When should a child get personal-device access?

When they are ready to use it responsibly.

Should teens still use rewards?

They may respond better to allowance, privileges, savings goals, or real ownership.

What if the child needs more help than their age suggests?

Use the support that fits the child. Age is only one factor.

Best First Action

Choose one child and review their current setup.

Remove one chore, reminder, or control that no longer fits—or add one responsibility they are ready to own.

Related Articles

• How Child Profiles and Access Work
• How to Add a Child
• How to Assign Chores
• How to Use S’moresUp on a Shared Device