How do I design a reward chart for kids?
A reward chart for kids works when the tasks are few and clear, stars are given as soon as the task is done, and the rewards are something your child wants and you can actually give. Write down three to six doable tasks together, and agree how many stars each reward costs. Keep that written deal, and record the star when the task is finished.
Six choices that shape the chart
1. Name tasks in words your child understands
“Brush teeth,” “tidy up toys,” and “do homework” are clearer than “be good.” Your child should know what finished looks like.
2. Start with a short list
Three tasks is enough. Six is a full first chart. StarKids’ free version allows up to 6 tasks and 4 rewards for one child, which matches a first chart.
3. Let harder jobs earn a few more stars
A quick daily habit can be 1 star. A longer job can be 2. You can change the numbers later. Say them out loud before the day starts.
4. Mix a reward they can reach soon with one they save for
A small reward this week keeps the chart alive. A larger one practices waiting. Privileges such as cartoons, picking a storybook, or game time can sit next to stickers or a small toy.
5. Only list rewards you will follow through on
A park trip needs a time on the calendar. A reward you cannot give teaches your child to doubt the chart.
6. Look once a week
Notice which tasks get done and which never move. Shrink the hard ones. When a habit is steady, you can keep it or move the stars to a new goal.
Example tasks and rewards
These tasks, rewards, and star counts are the age suggestions inside StarKids. You can adjust everything in the app later.
Ages 3–5
Tasks
- Put on shoes
- Tidy up toys
- Brush teeth
- Eat by yourself
- Say please, thank you, sorry
Rewards
- Stickers (5 stars)
- Small toy (10 stars)
- 20 min of cartoons (5 stars)
- Go to the park (8 stars)
- Pick a storybook (6 stars)
Ages 6–8
Tasks
- Do homework
- Pack school bag
- Wipe the table
- Bathe yourself
- Wake up on time
- Read for 20 min
Rewards
- Snacks (5 stars)
- Toy (15 stars)
- 30 min of videos (8 stars)
- Buy a book (10 stars)
- Play with friends (12 stars)
Ages 9–12
Tasks
- Finish homework on time
- Tidy your room
- Read for 30 min
- Help with chores
- Exercise 30 min
Rewards
- A drink (10 stars)
- 1 hour of gaming (8 stars)
- Go out to play (12 stars)
- Buy something wanted (20 stars)
- Pick weekend activity (15 stars)
How StarKids helps
In StarKids you create the tasks and rewards. When a child finishes a task, the star count goes up, and those stars can be traded for a reward you agreed on. The star history and weekly view show the tasks they finish most often and their streaks.
A parent PIN protects settings. The free version includes 1 child, up to 6 tasks, and up to 4 rewards. Pro removes those limits and adds Family Sync for up to two parent devices, plus iCloud.
