Frequently Asked Questions

Accounts & Setup

How do I add a co-parent?

Go to Settings > Family Management > Users & Places and click Add User. Select the Parent role and enter their email address. They'll receive an invitation to join your family. Co-parents have full access to manage chores, verify completions, and adjust settings.

Can I have a caretaker with limited access?

Yes. When adding a new user, select the Caretaker role. Caretakers can view chores and verify completions, but you control exactly which permissions they have (managing chores, viewing reports, managing rewards, etc.).

How do I reset my child's password?

Go to Settings > Family Management > Users & Places, click on the child's name, and click Set Password. You can set a new password of at least 4 characters. The child will use this to log in on devices without Google/Apple/Microsoft sign-in (like Amazon Fire tablets).

Can multiple families share an account?

Each family has its own separate account and database. Family members can only see their own family's data. If you need separate families (for example, after a separation), each family creates their own HousePoints account.

Chores & Points

What happens if my child's streak breaks?

The streak resets to zero. Streaks require completing ALL assigned chores for the day. If even one chore is missed, the streak resets. The child can start building a new streak the next day. Streak bonuses are only awarded at milestones (3, 7, 14, and 30 days by default).

How does chore trading work?

Children can propose swapping an assigned chore with a sibling. The other child can accept or decline the trade. Both children must agree for the swap to happen. Parents can enable or disable trading in the family features settings.

Can I undo a point deduction?

Yes. Go to the deduction in the child's point history and click Reverse. The points will be restored to the child's balance.

How do I set up recurring chores?

When creating or editing a chore, set the frequency (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or custom). The system automatically creates assignments based on the schedule. You can also use rotation groups to cycle chores between children automatically.

Devices & Access

How do kiosk pairing codes work?

A parent generates a 6-character code from Settings > Devices. Enter this code on the tablet or TV you want to use as a kiosk. The code expires after 10 minutes for security. Once paired, the device stays connected and automatically reconnects after power loss.

Can my kids use Amazon Fire tablets?

Yes. Since Fire tablets don't have Google Play, children use password login through the Silk browser. First enable kid passwords in Settings > System > Kid Passwords, set a password for each child, then have them navigate to your family URL in the Silk browser. See the Amazon Fire Tablets guide for detailed instructions.

Is there an Android app?

Yes, HousePoints is available on both iOS and Android. Download it from the App Store or Google Play Store. The web app also works well on mobile browsers if you prefer not to install an app.

Can I use HousePoints on a TV?

Yes. Smart TVs with web browsers, Fire TV Sticks, and Chromecast devices can all display the HousePoints kiosk. The display automatically adapts to larger screens with bigger text and remote-friendly navigation. See the TV Kiosk Setup guide.

Features

How do school calendars sync?

Subscribe to your child's school district or individual school in Settings > Calendar & Schools > Schools. Events like holidays, early dismissals, and teacher workdays automatically appear on your family calendar. If your school isn't listed, you can request it be added.

Can I export my data?

You can export your family calendar as an iCal feed, which can be subscribed to from Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook. Enable the iCal feed in Settings > Calendar Integration > Sharing.

How does meal voting work?

Add multiple meal options to a slot and family members vote for their preference. Family members can also opt out of dinner if they won't be eating at home. The kiosk displays tonight's dinner plan and who's attending.

Can I customize which features my family uses?

Yes. Go to Settings > System > Features to toggle individual features on or off. Disabling a feature hides it from all family members, keeping the interface clean and focused on what your family actually uses.