Getting Kids To Do Chores, There Are Apps For That

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Getting kids to do their chores can be a real struggle, but now there are apps that can reward them digitally.

"For dusting I'll get a dollar, for cleaning my bedroom I'll get four dollars," said 11-year-old Kalla Lively.

But Kalla no longer gets cash. Her chores are managed and paid for by her dad online with a site called Ourly.help.

Kalla's dad, Derek, uploads the money, assigns the tasks, and waits for results.

"Now when it's interactive and on a device its seems to make them more excited to do it," said Derek Lively.

Kalla takes before and after photos to prove the chores have been done and then sends her dad a text message. Once he approves the job, the money instantly appears in an online account.

"So it gives them a sense of power and authority, and small tasks are getting done for dad, it's a win-win," said Derek Lively.

Ourly is just one of several chore apps and websites.

With Chore Monster parents make a list of chores and kids get points that can be used for rewards like toys or TV privileges. On the YouRule app kids get coins which can be redeemed for things on their wishlist. Ourly allows kids to cash in what they've earned for a variety of online gift cards, like Amazon or iTunes, or for money.

"Everything they do is digital, we are allowing parents to understand that if you want to have a conversation about money with your kids its gotta be in the format they understand," said Ourly CEO John Malone.

Charges for the apps vary.

Chore Monster is free because it is funded by advertising. Ourly charges a small fee each time the account is loaded.