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ChoreMonster App Nudges Kids To Get Things Done



The app comes in two versions, one specifically for kids to use and one for parents. The adult version lets parents set up task lists, deadlines, rewards and points for completing tasks. Parents are also given the option to "accept" or "deny" a completion of a task to monitor how well their child is, for example, cleaning their room — kids don't just automatically win the points.

When kids log in, they can see what needs to be done and what their rewards and points are for getting those items done.

The reward system creates "positive reinforcement" for kids to do things they may not normally be inclined to do, ChoreMonster's CEO and co-founder Chris Bergman tells Mashable.

But the part kids will enjoy the most (other than maybe scoring a trip to Disney World for washing the dishes 500 times) is collecting humorous monster characters. Monsters are awarded after kids achieve certain task milestones. Bergman compares the monsters to FourSquare badges and kids are encouraged to collect the full set of monsters.

SEE ALSO: Use This App to Teach Your Kids Basic Banking

It's important to create apps that engage parents and children in positive ways in the house, Bergman says. The app allows communication that can be done on a parent's time schedule, he adds, since not all parents can monitor and reward kids for making their bed daily.

More importantly, Bergman says today's generation is significantly more connected at a young age. Since kids are inheriting old phones and iPads from parents an app like ChoreMonster can give kids beneficial use of that technology.

Apps for kids can also foster a sense of responsibility and independence at a younger age as well.

"Sixty-two percent of kids under 12 have mobile devices," Bergman says, adding it's more beneficial to expose kids to essential tools of today's culture so they can get a jump-start on understanding them.

ChoreMonster is still in private beta, but Mashable readers can use the code MashMonster to give it a try.

BONUS: 6 Social Media Sites for Minors

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