# How to Set Up Chores in ChoreStars in Just a Few Minutes > A simple step-by-step guide for parents who want to set up chores, points, recurring tasks, and rewards in ChoreStars without overcomplicating it. Canonical: https://chorestars.fun/blog/how-to-set-up-chores-in-chorestars Last updated: 2026-03-28 Author: ChoreStars If a chore system takes too long to set up, most parents will not stick with it. That is the real problem. You do not need another project. You need a simple way to create chores, assign them to your child, add points, and move on with your day. ChoreStars makes that part easy. Still choosing a tool? Our [side-by-side chore app comparison](https://chorestars.fun/blog/best-chore-apps-for-kids) can help you decide whether it fits. You can set up a working chore system in a few minutes by adding one child, creating a few clear chores, assigning point values, and turning on recurring tasks where they make sense. --- ## Start small Do not try to build the perfect family system on day one. Start with: - one child - two or three chores - one or two rewards - simple point values That is enough to get the system moving. If you add too much at once, the setup gets bloated and nobody wants to use it. A small system that gets used beats a big system that gets ignored. If you are switching from OurHome, our [OurHome migration guide](https://chorestars.fun/blog/ourhome-alternative) explains what to write down before rebuilding your chores and rewards here. --- ## Step 1: Add your child Start by adding your child to the dashboard. Once your child is in ChoreStars, you can assign chores directly and track points in one place. This matters because chores work better when ownership is clear. A child is more likely to follow through when the task is visibly assigned to them instead of floating around as a general family reminder. If you are just getting started, set up one child first. You can always add more later. Review [ChoreStars pricing](https://chorestars.fun/#pricing) as you plan: the free plan includes 1 child, 1 chore, and up to 3 rewards, and the Family plan is $5 per month for the whole family. --- ## Step 2: Create your first chore Click **Create Chore** and fill in the key fields: - **Title** - **Description** - **Points** - **Assign to Child** Keep the title direct. Good examples: - Empty lunchbox - Tidy toys - Feed the dog - Make bed Then use the description to make the finish line clear. For example: - Put your lunchbox in the sink and empty anything left inside - Put toys back in the bin before dinner - Put dirty clothes in the hamper and books back on the shelf Clear chores save you from repeating yourself later. --- ## Step 3: Set points that feel fair ChoreStars lets you assign points when you create each chore. You do not need a perfect scoring system. You just need one that makes sense. A simple approach works well: - small daily chores: 3 to 5 points - medium chores: 5 to 8 points - bigger effort chores: 10 points or more If everything has the same value, kids stop noticing the difference between a quick task and a harder one. Fair point values make the system feel more real. --- ## Step 4: Turn recurring chores on where it helps One of the most useful setup options in ChoreStars is the recurring chore toggle. If a chore happens again and again, make it recurring. That saves time and keeps the routine steady. Good recurring chores include: - empty lunchbox after school - feed the pet every day - tidy bedroom every Saturday - take out the trash every week In ChoreStars, you can choose the recurrence type, start date, and optional end date. That gives you enough structure without making setup complicated. --- ## Step 5: Add rewards your child actually cares about Rewards give the system a clear payoff. They do not need to be expensive or dramatic. They just need to feel worth earning. Good starter rewards include: - 30 minutes of screen time - choosing the family movie - picking dessert - extra game time - staying up a little later on the weekend When rewards live inside the same system as chores and points, your child can see the connection between effort and outcome. That makes follow-through easier. --- ## Step 6: Keep the first version simple The first version of your ChoreStars setup should feel easy to run. That means: - no giant chore list - no overcomplicated point system - no long reward catalog - no chores that are vague or hard to measure Start with a setup you can actually maintain. A simple system creates momentum. Once your child starts using it and you see what works, then you can expand it. --- ## A simple example setup Here is a basic starter version for one child. ### Child - Thomas ### Chores - Empty lunchbox — 5 points - Tidy toys — 5 points - Study for math test — 10 points ### Rewards - 30 minutes of screen time — 10 points - 3 rounds of a game — 10 points That is enough to make the system clear. Thomas can see what needs to get done. You can see what has been completed. The rewards feel connected to effort instead of random negotiation. --- ## Why this works A good chore system does not rely on your memory. It gives your child: - clear tasks - visible progress - fair rewards - a repeatable routine And it gives you: - less mental load - fewer reminders - less back-and-forth - a system that is easier to maintain That is the real benefit of setting chores up properly in ChoreStars. --- ## Final thought You do not need to spend an hour building the perfect setup. You need a few clear chores, fair point values, one or two good rewards, and a routine your child can understand. That is enough to start. ChoreStars makes it easy to set up a system that feels clear, visible, and usable from day one. ## Related - [All articles](https://chorestars.fun/blog) - [ChoreStars home](https://chorestars.fun/)