How Bonus Tasks Work in MyChoreBoard
- Jacob Volk
- Product Updates , Setup Guide , Rewards
- 08 Jun, 2026
Required chores are important, but optional chores can be powerful too.
That is why MyChoreBoard now includes Bonus Tasks — a separate area for extra chores kids can complete when they want to earn more points.
Bonus Tasks are perfect for families that want to encourage initiative without turning every possible household job into a required daily assignment.
What are Bonus Tasks?
Bonus Tasks are optional chores that sit outside the normal Morning, Afternoon, and Evening routine.
A child can complete their regular chores first, then look at the Bonus section when they want extra ways to earn points. This keeps the main routine clean while still giving motivated kids more opportunities.
Think of Bonus Tasks as the digital version of: “If anyone wants to earn extra points, this job is available.”
Why this helps families
Most chore systems run into the same challenge: there are always more helpful jobs around the house than you want to assign every single day. If you add every possible chore to the required routine, kids can start to feel overwhelmed. But if you leave those chores out completely, helpful opportunities often get missed.
Bonus Tasks create a middle ground by keeping the required routine simple while still giving kids clear ways to earn extra points when they feel motivated. Parents can reward initiative without cluttering the main chore list, and kids get more choice, more independence, and a faster path toward the rewards they are working for.
Good examples of Bonus Tasks
Bonus Tasks work best for chores that are helpful but not always required from the same child every day.
Examples include:
- Unload the dishwasher
- Take out the trash
- Walk the dog
- Wipe the table
- Tidy the living room
- Fold towels
- Bring laundry downstairs
- Help put away groceries
- Pick up toys in a shared space
- Sweep the kitchen
You can make them small and quick, or make them worth more points when they require more effort.
Bonus Tasks vs regular assigned chores
Use regular assigned chores for responsibilities that truly need to happen as part of the child’s routine.
Use Bonus Tasks for extra opportunities.
| Use regular chores for | Use Bonus Tasks for |
|---|---|
| Brush teeth | Unload dishwasher |
| Pack backpack | Walk the dog |
| Make bed | Fold towels |
| Homework routine | Wipe counters |
| Feed pet on assigned day | Pick up shared space |
This separation keeps the child interface clearer. Kids know what they must do, and they can still see what they can do for extra points.
Works even better with Shared Task Pool
Bonus Tasks pair nicely with Shared Task Pool.
A shared bonus task can appear for more than one child. Once one child claims or completes it, the task is removed from the others.
That makes it great for “whoever gets to it first” jobs, like unloading the dishwasher or taking out the trash.
Read more: What is a Shared Task Pool?.
How to set up Bonus Tasks
Bonus Tasks are managed from the Task Assignments screen in the parent area.
To set them up:
- Open the parent dashboard.
- Go to Assignments.
- In the Tools section, tap Bonus Tasks & Shared Task Pool.
- Find the task you want to make available as a bonus task.
- Check the box under each child who should see that task.
- Choose whether the task should be Individual or part of the Shared Pool.
Once selected, the task will appear in the child’s optional Bonus section.
Individual Bonus Tasks vs Shared Pool
When you add a Bonus Task, you can choose how it should work.
Individual
Use Individual when each selected child can complete the task separately.
For example, if you choose “Tidy Room” for two kids, each child can complete their own version of that task and earn the points.
This works well for chores like:
- Tidy room
- Read for 20 minutes
- Practice piano
- Organize backpack
- Put away personal laundry
Shared Pool
Use Shared Pool when the task should be available to more than one child, but only one child should get credit for doing it.
For example, if “Vacuum Living Room” is available to two kids, both kids can see it. Once one child completes it, the task is claimed for that day and removed from the other child’s Bonus section.
This works well for chores like:
- Unload dishwasher
- Take out trash
- Vacuum living room
- Walk the dog
- Wipe kitchen table
- Bring laundry downstairs
Shared Pool is helpful when you want to encourage initiative without assigning the same shared household job to every child.
What kids see
On the child screen, Bonus Tasks appear in their own Bonus section underneath the regular Morning, Afternoon, and Evening routine.
Kids can expand the Bonus section, choose an available task, and tap the check button when they complete it.
Bonus Tasks do not clutter the main daily routine. They stay separate so kids can clearly tell the difference between:
- chores they are expected to complete
- extra chores they can choose to do for more points
A few important notes
Bonus Tasks come from your existing Task Library. To change a task’s name, icon, category, or point value, edit it in the Task Library first.
Only checked children will see a Bonus Task.
Bonus Tasks appear every day until you remove them from the Bonus Tasks setup screen.
Use Clear All carefully. It removes the current Bonus Task selections so you can start over.
For younger kids, it is usually better to start with only a few Bonus Tasks. Older kids may enjoy having more choices.
Tips for using Bonus Tasks well
Start small. Add a few bonus chores your kids understand and can complete without a lot of explanation.
Then adjust based on what happens:
- If kids ignore them, increase the point value or choose more interesting jobs.
- If one child claims everything, use shared tasks carefully or rotate opportunities.
- If the section gets crowded, remove tasks that are not being used.
- If younger kids are overwhelmed, keep bonus choices limited.
The goal is not to create a giant menu. The goal is to make extra helpful work visible and rewarding.
A better way to encourage initiative
Bonus Tasks are not about adding pressure. They are about creating a clear path for kids who want to do more.
When a child asks, “How can I earn more points?” the answer is right there in the app.
Frequently asked questions
No. Bonus Tasks are optional chores kids can complete when they want to earn extra points.
Bonus Tasks appear in their own section so they do not clutter the required time-of-day routine.
Yes. Bonus Tasks can have point values just like other tasks, making them useful for extra earning opportunities.
Yes. A Bonus Task can be shown to more than one child. You can choose whether each child can complete it individually or whether it should be part of the Shared Pool.
Individual Bonus Tasks can be completed separately by each selected child. Shared Pool Bonus Tasks are available to multiple children, but once one child completes the task, it is claimed for that day and removed from the other children’s Bonus section.
Bonus Tasks use tasks from the Task Library. Create or edit the task name, icon, category, and point value in the Task Library, then go to Assignments and open Bonus Tasks & Shared Task Pool to choose which children should see it.
Ready to try MyChoreBoard with your kids?
Install on any phone, tablet or computer. Free with no sign-in hoops.
