Picture this: smoothie dripping down cabinets, baby wailing, three kids tugging my shirt chanting “What can we dooo?” That moment birthed our Adventure Points system. It transformed summer chaos into kids voluntarily reading, climbing trees, and doing math without complaints. (Yes, really!)
Why Adventure Points?
We had a “Mom I’m Bored Jar,” but it only worked after complaints started. I needed something proactive—a way to channel their competitive energy into creativity and movement. The name? Inspired by their beloved hiking boots worn for fort-building and creek explorations.
How It Works: Simple & Sneaky-Smart
The magic lies in turning everyday adventures into a game:
- Activities = Points: We brainstormed 50+ screen-free ideas with point values:
- Active Play: Tree climbing (5 pts), jump rope (3 pts), swim 30 mins (10 pts)
- Creativity: Fort-building (20 pts/hour), sidewalk chalk art (10 pts), Lego engineering (10 pts)
- Life Skills: Cooking family dinner (20 pts), weeding garden (10 pts), writing letters (10 pts)
- Learning: Reading chapter books (20 pts), history podcasts (10 pts), chess matches (10 pts)
- Rewards Worth Earning: Focus on experiences or skill-building items:
- 100 pts: Homemade popsicles
- 500 pts: New jump ropes or art supplies
- 1,000 pts: Family rock-climbing trip or science museum visit
4 Keys to Making It Stick
1. Match Activities to Your Tribe
- *Ages 2-7:* Focus on short, sensory play (chalk, bubble parties, cartwheels).
- *Ages 8+:* Add complex projects (meal prep, podcast reviews, scavenger hunt design).
Pro Tip: Create separate point lists if age gaps cause frustration!
2. Track with Trust (Not Micromanaging)
- Give each child a notebook to self-report points.
- Do daily “victory check-ins” while making dinner: “Wow, 50 points for teaching your sister origami? That’s leadership!”
- Download our printable tracker [link] to start.
3. Reward the Journey, Not Just Prizes
- Celebrate “bonus point” kindnesses: “50 points for helping your brother without being asked!”
- Pool points for group goals: *”2,000 total points = Backyard campout with s’mores!”*
4. Keep It Fresh
- Swap activities monthly: Trade snow forts for seed-planting in spring.
- Let kids suggest new point tasks (my son added “invent a board game”).
Why This Beats Screen Time
- Sneaky Learning: They’re adding triple-digit points and negotiating trades (“I’ll fold your laundry for 10 points!”).
- Sibling Harmony: Older kids team up with littles to earn “read-aloud” points.
- Confidence Boost: Mastering a cartwheel or baking cookies builds real pride.
“The goal isn’t perfection—it’s turning ‘I’m bored’ into ‘Can I show you my treehouse blueprint?’“
Real-Mom Tweaks for Success
- For Whining/Unwanted Behaviors: Deduct points (e.g., -5 for complaining about chores) OR reward positive opposites (+10 for cheerful cooperation).
- Travel-Friendly: Scale down! “10 points for identifying 5 cloud shapes,” “20 points for planning a picnic.”
- When Interest Fades: Hide “mystery bonus” cards under pillows: “Surprise! 25 points for catching fireflies tonight.”
Our Favorite Unplanned Perk: They discovered joy in “non-point” activities too. After weeks of tracking, I found them reading under a tree—just because.
Your Turn!
Steal our starter list [link] or invent your own. What’s one activity your kids would love to earn points for? Share below—let’s inspire each other!
P.S. For more sanity-saving systems, grab my free Seven Small Easy Habits ebook when you join the VIP newsletter! 🌟
