How to Switch from a Whiteboard to a Free Chore App (In One Weekend)
• 7 min read •By Jacob Volk
For context on why whiteboards fail and which features to look for, see our hub: The Ultimate Guide to Free Chore Apps.
What You’ll Need
- A device (cheap tablet works great), Wi-Fi, 20–30 minutes.
- A family agreement on 3–5 daily chores per child.
- A short list of rewards (small, medium, big).
Day 1 (Friday): Prep (30 minutes)
- Pick 3–5 daily chores per child (split by morning/evening).
- Decide simple rewards (screen time, small treats, park trips).
- Create children in the app and assign chores with points.
Day 2 (Saturday): Rollout (45–60 minutes)
- Place the tablet in a hub spot (kitchen counter is best).
- Teach kids: “Check your list, tap when you’re done.”
- Show them the reward list and how points connect.
- Do a live run-through of morning and evening routines.
Day 3 (Sunday): Tune & Celebrate (20 minutes)
- Review what stuck and what didn’t.
- Adjust point values or reorder chores to reduce friction.
- Celebrate small wins (stickers, goofy dances, movie choice).
Troubleshooting the Snags
- Kids forget to check. → Set gentle reminders; keep tablet in a visible spot.
- “This is too much.” → Scale down to 3 core chores max.
- Cheating. → Enable parent approvals for key chores (bedtime, homework).
- Split households. → Make sure both homes have a device logged in; the app syncs automatically.
- Low-cost tablets lag. → MyChoreBoard is designed to run on inexpensive tablets, but close other apps to keep it smooth.
Example Templates
Chores by age group:
- Ages 5–7: Pick up toys, feed pets, put clothes in hamper.
- Ages 8–10: Make bed, set/clear table, sweep kitchen.
- Ages 11–13: Fold laundry, vacuum, prep school bag.
Reward ideas:
- Under $5: Popsicles, stickers, small toy.
- Experiences: Choose the movie, pick dinner, extra park time.
- Non-cash: Stay up 15 minutes late, bonus screen time.
Keep Momentum (Week 2+)
- Add one new chore per week max.
- Introduce a weekly bonus or bigger reward for streaks.
- Stay consistent: no “sometimes we use it.”
Micro-FAQ
Q: Do I need one tablet per child?
A: Not necessarily. A shared family tablet works fine, or each child can log in on their own device.
Q: What if grandparents or babysitters need access?
A: Just log in on their phone/tablet. Everyone sees the same updated list.
Q: How long before habits stick?
A: Most families see consistent routines after 2–3 weeks of daily use.