Using Technology To Get Kids’ Chores Done
This post is a review of the Homey chore app. I was compensated for this review, but the opinions are all mine.
When my kids were little, we used chore charts that hung on the refrigerator. Some used stickers. Some were dry erase. The kids could easily see what their chores were and what they had accomplished. These charts worked great, but then they out grew them.
As they entered the pre-teen and teen years, I just left a list for each kid on the kitchen island. This worked fine unless someone lost the list or just couldn’t see it right in plain sight. Ugh. Teens.
My kids still have chores and responsibilities. That hasn’t changed. In fact, as they get older more has been added to what is expected from them. The hard part is how to remind them about their chores without nagging them.
Kids’ Chores App
Recently, we were introduced to the Homey chore app so we could review it and tell you all about it. I was very intrigued. My kids are always on their phones. We text and Snapchat each other from the next room over in the house. That’s how they communicate with everyone. Maybe, an app on their phones would be what we need for chores.
The Homey app allows parents to set up a family account with each child and their assigned responsibilities on a parent’s phone. Then, each child can download the app and access their chore list. Chores can be listed by date and notifications will pop-up as reminders. Think virtual chore list.
As each chore is finished, the child checks it off and the parent is notified on their app. Parent’s can even require a photo as proof of a job well done. My kids were skeptical about the photo feature, but ended up liking it. It meant I didn’t have to check up on them and gave them a feeling of independence.
Allowance Tracking
If your family does allowances based on chores or offers opportunities to earn money by doing extra jobs around the house, Homey can track that, too. Homey keeps track of money earned for each child and how they earned it.
A really cool feature of Homey is the Jars. These are set up in the app to help children learn how to save money for something they really want instead of just blowing it on nothing. When allowance is earned, they can place their money in their virtual jars according to what they are saving for.
Your child might have one jar for savings and another for that new Xbox they’ve been wanting. The Homey app allows the child to visually see where they are in the savings process. My son is always trying to earn money for new hockey gear and is very rewards driven, so this feature is perfect for him.
Homey App Giveaway
You can sign up for a free trial of the Homey app to try with your family. You can, also, enter to win a free year subscription to Homey!
Follow Homey
Learn more about Homey on their website and follow them on social media.