How many points should a chore be worth? A simple guide
Updated July 16, 2026 · 5 min
If you use a points chart with your kids, the first real question is: how many points is each chore worth? Set them too low and kids lose interest; too high and rewards become trivial. Here is a simple framework that works for most families, with example values and the mistakes to avoid.
The simple framework: effort × frequency
You do not need a spreadsheet. Rate each task on two things: how much effort it takes for that child, and how often it happens. Small daily habits should be worth a little (they add up); bigger, rarer tasks should be worth more per instance.
- Tiny daily habit (brush teeth, put shoes away): 1 point
- Standard daily task (make bed, 20 minutes reading, homework): 2 points
- Bigger or less frequent task (help with dishes, tidy a shared room): 3–5 points
- One-off effort or a kindness you want to reinforce: a small bonus, 3–5 points
Match points to reward prices
Points only mean something relative to what they buy. Pick your rewards first, then set values so a motivated child reaches a small reward in a few days and a big one in a couple of weeks. A common, workable scale: small rewards around 10 points, medium around 20, a "big deal" reward around 25–40. If a child can afford the top reward in a single day, everything is priced too low.
Adjust by age
Younger children (2–6) need shorter horizons — they should reach something good within a day or two, or the connection between effort and reward fades. Older kids (7–12) can handle saving toward a bigger reward over a week or more. Keep the numbers small and round; the exact values matter far less than consistency.
Common mistakes
Three things trip most families up:
- Point inflation: quietly raising values to keep interest. Instead, add new rewards or new ways to earn.
- Rewards priced too high: a reward that takes a month to reach feels impossible to a young child.
- Paying for everything: reserve points for effort and routines, not basic expectations, or the whole thing feels transactional.
Let the app do the arithmetic
Tracking points on paper across a busy week is where most charts die. A points app keeps the running balance, can award daily tasks automatically, and shows the child exactly how close they are to their next reward — which is most of the motivation. If you want to try the approach without setting anything up, the BravoPoints demo lets you hand out points and redeem rewards with a pretend family in a couple of taps.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use points or real money?
For younger kids (roughly 2–12), points for family rewards keep motivation high without allowance disputes. Real money and a debit card suit older teens learning to manage money.
How often should I change point values?
Rarely. Add new rewards or new tasks instead of inflating existing values, so the system stays stable.
Try BravoPoints free
Play with the live demo — no signup — or start a 30-day free trial with no credit card. Fully bilingual, no ads, and kids never need an account.