Reward Ideas
Reward Ideas
Section titled “Reward Ideas”The best reward systems balance motivation with values. Here are ideas for meaningful incentives that go beyond “more screen time.”
Screen Time Rewards
Section titled “Screen Time Rewards”The most obvious reward in Thriva is bonus Free Time, but use it thoughtfully.
How It Works
Section titled “How It Works”Completing tasks earns minutes of Free Time that stack on top of scheduled free time.
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”Keep amounts reasonable. 15-30 minutes for typical tasks prevents imbalance.
Set a daily cap. “You can earn up to 1 extra hour per day” prevents overdoing it.
Don’t make it the only option. Screen time shouldn’t be the only thing worth working for.
Watch for hoarding. Some kids save up time rather than using it - this is actually fine!
Coin System
Section titled “Coin System”Each family has a custom currency (you choose the name and emoji in Reward Settings). Coins are earned by completing tasks that have rewards enabled.
How Coins Work
Section titled “How Coins Work”- Tasks don’t earn coins by default — you choose which tasks to reward by enabling the “Add coin reward” toggle
- Coins accumulate in the child’s balance
- Coins can be redeemed from your family’s custom reward catalog
Creating a Reward Catalog
Section titled “Creating a Reward Catalog”Set up rewards at different coin levels:
| Coins | Reward Ideas |
|---|---|
| 50 | Choose dinner one night |
| 100 | Stay up 30 minutes late |
| 200 | Pick the family movie |
| 500 | Special outing with parent |
| 1000 | Larger purchase or experience |
Suggested Coin Values
Section titled “Suggested Coin Values”When you enable a reward on a task, the amount is pre-filled based on difficulty:
- Easy task: 5 coins
- Medium task: 10 coins
- Hard task: 20 coins
You can customize these defaults in your account’s Reward Settings.
Non-Screen Rewards
Section titled “Non-Screen Rewards”Many of the most meaningful rewards have nothing to do with screens.
Privileges
Section titled “Privileges”- Stay up 15 minutes later
- Have a friend over
- Choose the restaurant
- Skip a chore (trade with sibling?)
- Get the front seat
- Control the music during car rides
Experiences
Section titled “Experiences”- One-on-one time with parent
- Special outing (park, movie, ice cream)
- Teaching them something they want to learn
- Trip to a favorite place
- Invite a friend for sleepover
Choices
Section titled “Choices”- Choose the family activity
- Pick what’s for dinner
- Decide on weekend plans
- Select their own reward
- Small toys or collectibles
- Books they’ve wanted
- Art supplies
- Sports equipment
- Saving toward something bigger
Recognition
Section titled “Recognition”- Certificate of achievement
- Photo on the “wall of fame”
- Special mention at family dinner
- Text to grandparents about accomplishment
Age-Appropriate Rewards
Section titled “Age-Appropriate Rewards”Young Children (6-8)
Section titled “Young Children (6-8)”- Stickers and small prizes
- Extra story at bedtime
- Special activity with parent
- Choice of snack
- Saving coins toward a toy
Tweens (9-12)
Section titled “Tweens (9-12)”- Later bedtime on weekends
- More independence (walk to friend’s house)
- Input on family decisions
- Saving coins for larger items
- Screen time for specific games/apps
Teenagers (13+)
Section titled “Teenagers (13+)”- Extended curfew
- Use of car (eventually)
- Money for activities
- More privacy/autonomy
- Progress toward big goals (trip, concert, etc.)
Building a Balanced System
Section titled “Building a Balanced System”Not Everything Earns Rewards
Section titled “Not Everything Earns Rewards”Basic expectations aren’t reward-worthy:
- Personal hygiene
- Homework completion
- Being respectful
- Following household rules
These are requirements, not opportunities.
Reserve Rewards for Extras
Section titled “Reserve Rewards for Extras”What deserves recognition:
- Going above expectations
- Tackling difficult challenges
- Consistent effort over time
- Helping others voluntarily
- Maintaining good habits
Gradually Fade Rewards
Section titled “Gradually Fade Rewards”The goal is internal motivation. Over time:
- Start with external rewards to build habits
- Reduce frequency as habits form
- Transition to occasional recognition
- Eventually, the behavior is just normal
Common Mistakes
Section titled “Common Mistakes”Rewarding Everything
Section titled “Rewarding Everything”When every task earns coins, the rewards lose meaning and can actually undermine your child’s natural sense of responsibility. Research on the “overjustification effect” shows that rewarding children for tasks they’d do naturally can decrease their internal motivation. This is why Thriva defaults tasks to no reward — save coins for the tasks you want to specifically encourage.
Bribing for Basics
Section titled “Bribing for Basics”“I’ll give you screen time if you brush your teeth” teaches that basic care is optional without payment.
Inconsistency
Section titled “Inconsistency”Changing reward values or failing to deliver erodes trust.
Reward Inflation
Section titled “Reward Inflation”Starting too high means you have nowhere to go. Start small and sustainable.
Ignoring Non-Earners
Section titled “Ignoring Non-Earners”If one child earns lots and another doesn’t, address the underlying issue rather than just giving rewards to both.
Making Rewards Meaningful
Section titled “Making Rewards Meaningful”The most powerful rewards share these traits:
- Autonomy - They get to choose something
- Connection - Time with people they love
- Mastery - Progress toward goals they care about
- Surprise - Occasional unexpected recognition
Sometimes the best reward is simply noticing and acknowledging their effort.