App rewards children for doing chores
2013-01-14 22:33
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Toronto - Forget bribery, intimidation and threats, a new
app is designed to encourage children to do chores by turning the tasks into a
game and giving them points when it is completed.
The app called ChoreMonster, available for iOS devices
and on the web, aims to make household chores, such as setting the table,
feeding the pets or unloading the dishwasher, fun.
"There are usually enough chores in a week to redeem
some sort of reward," said Chris Bergman, the founder and CEO of
Cincinnati, Ohio-based company ChoreMonster.
The rewards, which are provided by the parents, can range
from privileges like sleepovers or a family outing, to video games or a cash
allowance.
"It's exactly what you would expect kids would want
and also more esoteric rewards," Bergman explained.
Parents assign chores through the app and include the
completion dates along with the number of points the child will earn.
They also set rewards, including the number needed to
receive them.
The child can then log in to their account and review the
chores and rewards.
"If rewards aren't enough incentive, the empowerment
typically is," said Bergman.
When the task is done, the child marks it in the app and
the parent is notified and prompted to verify that it was completed well.
After the parent approves the task, the child is awarded
the points.
The app helped 21 000 children complete more than 300 000
chores during the eight months it was tested before being launched at the end
of 2012, according to its makers.
Making the bed, picking up toys and books, cleaning the
bedroom, feeding pets and dealing with dirty laundry were among the main
chores.
Rewards
Top rewards included ice cream, an allowance, movie
night, sleepovers and computer time.
"What I find really interesting is that a lot of
times the reward is just empowering the child to make their own decision,"
said Bergman, adding it be could be selecting what to have for dinner.
The most obnoxious rewards he has seen have been large
amounts of cash.
"I get why parents use it, but the point system
alone is enough to teach saving and spending. Cash becomes this middle ground
and another step to whatever it is the child actually wants," Bergman
explained.
A similar web and iPad app called HighScore House lets
parents and children agree on a set of tasks and the rewards they will receive
for completing them.
ChoreMonster is available worldwide in more than 50
countries and is ideal for children between four and 12 years old, according to
Bergman.
