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Creating Tasks

Well-designed tasks set children up for success. Here’s how to create tasks that are clear, achievable, and appropriately rewarded.

Go to parents.thriva.app and sign in.

Click Tasks in the sidebar, or go to a specific child’s profile and select their Tasks tab.

Click + New Task to open the task creator.

FieldDescriptionExample
TitleShort, clear name”Make Bed”
DescriptionWhat success looks like”Pillows arranged, blanket smooth, no lumps”
Assigned ToWhich childLuna
FrequencyHow oftenDaily
Due TimeWhen it should be doneBefore school (8:00 AM)

By default, tasks don’t earn coins — they’re simply expectations. If you want to incentivize a specific task, toggle “Add coin reward” and set the amount.

  • Most daily tasks (homework, hygiene, regular chores) — leave the toggle off. These are family expectations, not earning opportunities.
  • Extra-effort tasks (deep cleaning, helping a sibling, going above and beyond) — turn the toggle on and set an appropriate coin amount.
  • Quest Board tasks — consider adding coins since children opt into these voluntarily.
  • Self-verify - Child marks complete, you trust them
  • Parent verify - You confirm completion before rewards unlock
  • Photo verify - Child uploads proof (great for room cleaning)

Click Create Task. It immediately appears in your child’s ThrivaOS.

VagueSpecific
Clean roomPut clothes in hamper, make bed, clear floor of toys
Do homeworkComplete all assigned homework, put in backpack
Be helpfulEmpty dishwasher and put dishes away

Children should know exactly when a task is complete without asking.

Break big tasks into smaller steps if needed.

Resets every day at the time you specify.

  • Best for: Routines, habits, regular chores
  • Example: Make bed, brush teeth, reading time

Due once per week on a specific day.

  • Best for: Larger chores, weekly responsibilities
  • Example: Clean bathroom, take out trash

Single task with a specific due date.

  • Best for: Projects, special requests, goals
  • Example: Finish book report, organize closet

Specific days of the week.

  • Best for: Tasks tied to schedules
  • Example: Practice piano (Mon, Wed, Fri)
Task TypeCoin Reward?Why
Basic expectations (hygiene, homework)NoThese are family expectations — rewarding them undermines natural responsibility
Regular chores (make bed, tidy room)NoPart of contributing to the household
Extra-effort tasks (deep clean, helping sibling)YesGoing above and beyond deserves recognition
Quest Board tasksYesChildren opt in voluntarily — coins motivate participation
Big projects or goalsYesSustained effort deserves meaningful recognition

Don’t reward everything. Research shows that rewarding children for baseline expectations can actually undermine their natural motivation. When rewards are removed later, interest drops below where it started.

Save coins for what you want to specifically encourage. The toggle is there so you can be intentional about which tasks earn rewards.

Match effort to reward. Use difficulty defaults as a starting point (easy, medium, hard suggest different coin amounts).

Stay consistent. Same task should earn the same reward.

Best for:

  • Children who’ve proven reliable
  • Low-stakes tasks
  • Building independence

Best for:

  • New tasks being established
  • Tasks that have been problematic
  • Significant rewards at stake

Best for:

  • Visual tasks (clean room, organized space)
  • When you can’t verify in person
  • Building accountability

The Tasks dashboard shows all active tasks across children, their status, and due dates.

Click any task to modify its details, rewards, or schedule.

For vacations or breaks, pause tasks rather than deleting them.

Remove tasks that are no longer relevant. Completed history is preserved.

Before increasing rewards or adding consequences:

  1. Is the task clear? Maybe the child doesn’t know what’s expected.
  2. Is it achievable? Maybe it’s too hard or there’s not enough time.
  3. Is timing right? Maybe the due time conflicts with other activities.
  4. Is there a barrier? Maybe they need supplies, help, or reminders.

Often, the issue is design, not motivation.

  • Start with wins. Begin with tasks they can easily succeed at.
  • Build gradually. Add complexity as habits form.
  • Celebrate progress. Acknowledge effort, not just completion.
  • Review regularly. Adjust tasks as children grow and change.

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