ChoreMonster
This app lets kids collect monsters as well as rewards for completing assigned chores. With two separate apps, one for kids and one for adults, gives parents bonus features. The app charges a fee per household (not per app installed) but Mashable readers can use the invite code "MashMonster" to try it out.
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ChoreMonster is the newest app to turn a seemingly endless list of kid-allergic chores into an interactive game. It gives kids a reason to get their tasks done and keeps parents from tirelessly nagging.
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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 badges and kids are encouraged to collect the full set of monsters.
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 ," 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.
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
Clubpenguin.com
This site lets kids take on avatars of penguins and chat with friends on their "lists." Kids can only choose from pre-selected phrases (more than 300,000 in all) when chatting and unrecognized phrased must be approved by moderators. Parental controls are available to manage chat time as well. Kids can even earn "coins" in games — which they are encouraged to give to charity. The site is best for kids 8 and up.
This story originally published on Mashable .
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