50 rewards for kids that aren’t screen time

Why the reward matters

Extra screen time is the default reward in many homes, and it works, up to a point. But the rewards kids remember are usually experiences, privileges and time with you. Mixing those in keeps a chore chart interesting and keeps screens from becoming the only currency in the house.

Here are fifty ideas, grouped so you can offer a mix of small, quick wins and bigger things worth saving for.

Time together

• Choose a board game to play together
• Bake something of their choice with a parent
• A one-on-one walk or bike ride
• Build a blanket fort together
• Pick the recipe for Sunday breakfast
• A parent does one of their chores
• Backyard or living room campout
• Learn a new card game together
• Plan and cook dinner with a parent
• An extra bedtime story or chapter

Privileges

• Stay up 15 or 30 minutes later
• Choose the family movie
• Pick the music in the car for a week
• Skip one chore (not a routine)
• Sit in the front seat for a day
• Choose what’s for dinner
• Have a friend over after school
• Decide the weekend plan
• First pick of the bathroom in the morning
• Wear pajamas all day on a weekend

Small treats

• Choose a dessert
• A new book of their choice
• Stickers or temporary tattoos
• A small art supply, like new markers
• Hot chocolate with extra marshmallows
• A packet of seeds to grow
• Breakfast in bed
• A new hair accessory or badge
• Pick a snack at the store
• A small puzzle or craft kit

Outings

• Trip to the library
• Ice cream trip
• Choose the park or playground
• A trip to the pool
• Picnic of their choice
• Visit a museum or aquarium
• Mini golf or bowling
• A visit to a farm or pick-your-own
• A bike ride to somewhere new
• Go to the movies

Choice and independence

• Rearrange their bedroom
• Choose a new family rule for a week
• Plan a family day out, within a budget
• Pick a new activity or class to try
• Sleepover with a friend
• Choose where to go on a family walk
• Be “parent for an hour” and plan the activities
• Paint or decorate something in their room
• Choose their own outfit for a special occasion
• Money toward a savings goal

How to price rewards in points

A simple rule: small rewards should be reachable in two or three days, medium rewards in about a week, and big rewards in a few weeks. If a typical day of chores earns 20 to 30 points, that could look like this:

• Small rewards: 20 to 50 points
• Medium rewards: 100 to 200 points
• Big rewards: 300 to 500 points