Imagine a world where kids are happily engaged in activities they love, all while learning math. Picture a place where children compete in a friendly manner through sports, creative games, and reading. Sounds fantastic, right?
I’ve always believed that necessity drives innovation, and that’s true for my “Adventure Points” idea. Have you ever had one of those parenting moments where everyone seems to need something at once? A smoothie spills, and the baby needs a diaper change? I experienced that kind of chaos and realized I needed a summer plan that didn’t involve the kids watching TV every day.
We bring back this system every summer or during breaks. It taps into my kids’ natural creativity and competitive spirit, benefiting everyone.
We already have a “Mom I’m Bored Jar” which is great, but it’s meant for when they’re already bored. I wanted something to inspire them to choose activities before boredom sets in.
This system awards points for engaging in creative or athletic activities, encouraging movement and imaginative play instead of TV time. It’s also surprisingly reduced the bickering and fighting in our house.
The name “Adventure Points” came from my kids’ hiking boots, which they call “Adventure Boots.” They wear these boots for hiking, building forts, and other outdoor adventures.
I sat down with a piece of paper to brainstorm activities I wanted my kids to do this summer and assigned point values to each. The kids helped brainstorm, and we created a list of activities they enjoy that don’t involve screens or snacks.
I came up with about 50 activities with assigned point values. Then, I outlined fun family activities as goals for reaching milestone points. For instance, 100 points could earn a delicious dessert after dinner, while 1000 points could unlock a special activity, new art supplies, or contribute towards something they’ve been wanting. (Tip: Use rewards you were planning anyway as a fun way for them to earn it.)
I’ve noticed the kids are more eager to help around the house when I offer “bonus points” for above-and-beyond responsibilities.
After a few days of using this system, I decided to create separate lists for older kids (8+) and younger ones (7 and under) to match their skill levels since older kids were easily outpacing the younger ones (who can’t do as many pull-ups, for example).
If you’d like to try this system, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Make a list of activities you’d like your kids to do, dividing them by age group if needed. Determine how much each activity is worth in your point system and assign the values accordingly. Feel free to use my list as a starting point!
2. While points can be motivational, your kids might not be excited about earning points that don’t lead to anything. Decide what the points will allow them to do or earn and create a list. We focus on activities and experiences rather than things, but physical rewards can also be great, especially if they promote activity or a life skill.
3. Consider material rewards that encourage learning.
I realized the system wouldn’t encourage the independence I was aiming for if the kids had to report to me for every activity to get points. So, we use the honor system, which has worked well. Each kid got a small spiral notebook to track their points daily, and I check in once a day to keep totals updated.
I also made a chart to track points for each activity, which you can download for yourself.
I hoped “Adventure Points” would free up some of my time by reducing, “I’m bored” or “Can we watch a movie?” requests—it has, and I’m grateful.
Even more than the free time, I love seeing my kids’ creativity blossom and watching older kids interact better with younger siblings since they have more structured activities and goals. Tracking points has also unexpectedly boosted the little ones’ math skills, sparking questions like, “Does 243 plus 15 equal 258?!”
How about you? What are some fun ways you encourage creativity and activity during free time at home?
