A Revolutionary System for Household Equity
How can you ensure everyone contributes fairly to household chores? The traditional chore chart has its limits: it doesn't account for the varying difficulty of tasks or each member's particular situation. FairChore's debt/credit point system provides an elegant and mathematically fair solution.
The Fundamental Principle: Zero Sum
The heart of the system is based on a simple but powerful principle: the sum of all group members' points always equals zero.
Concretely:
- When someone completes a task, they gain points
- The other concerned members lose points proportionally
- The total always remains at zero
This system creates a closed economy where balance is mathematically guaranteed. Impossible to cheat or manipulate the results.
How Does the Calculation Work?
Let's take a concrete example with a family of 4 people: Sophie, Marc, Emma (15 years old) and Lucas (10 years old).
Example 1: Task Affecting Everyone
Sophie prepares dinner, a 20-point task that affects the whole family.
- Sophie gains: 20 - (20÷4) = +15 points
- Marc loses: -5 points
- Emma loses: -5 points
- Lucas loses: -5 points
- Total: +15 - 5 - 5 - 5 = 0 ✓
Sophie did the work for 4 people, so she recovers 3/4 of the points (the others' shares), and everyone "pays" their share.
The Power of Concerned Members
This is where FairChore truly stands out. Not all tasks concern all members in the same way, and the system allows this to be reflected.
Example 2: Task with Selected Concerned Members
Sophie prepares dinner (20 points), but Lucas, 10 years old, is not concerned by this task (he couldn't do it).
Concerned members: Sophie, Marc and Emma (3 people).
- Sophie gains: 20 - (20÷3) = +13.33 points
- Marc loses: -6.67 points
- Emma loses: -6.67 points
- Lucas: 0 points (not concerned)
- Total: +13.33 - 6.67 - 6.67 = 0 ✓
Example 3: Lucas Clears the Table
Lucas, 10 years old, clears the table (5 points). This time, the whole family is concerned because everyone eats!
- Lucas gains: 5 - (5÷4) = +3.75 points
- Sophie, Marc and Emma each lose: -1.25 points
Lucas contributes fairly and sees his participation valued concretely. It's motivating!
Why Concerned Members Change Everything
Without this feature, Lucas would lose points every time his parents cook, which would be unfair since he can't do this task. With concerned members:
- Children are only penalized for tasks they can actually accomplish
- Personal tasks (cleaning one's room) only concern the person in question
- Adult tasks remain between adults
Economic Balancing: Adjusting Points
The point system works like a market. The points for each task must reflect its true difficulty as perceived by the group.
No One Wants to Do a Task?
If "Clean the toilets" at 10 points doesn't attract anyone, it's because it's not "profitable" enough for the effort required. Increase the points to 20 or 25. Someone will eventually find it "worth it."
Everyone Wants to Do a Task?
If "Water the plants" at 15 points creates disputes because everyone wants to do it, it's because it pays too much for minimal effort. Lower the points to 5.
It's the law of supply and demand applied to chores. Natural balance is created when each task is valued at its fair measure.
Automatic Memorization
FairChore simplifies your daily life with automatic preference memorization. Each time you record a task, the concerned members you selected are saved.
The next time you do the same task, the right members will already be pre-selected. No need to reconfigure every time!
The Advantages of the Debt/Credit System
- Total transparency: Everyone sees exactly who contributes and how much
- Mathematical equity: Impossible to bias the results
- Natural motivation: Negative points push for action
- Flexibility: Balance can be achieved over time (you today, me tomorrow)
- Gamification: The system transforms chores into a fun challenge
- Adaptability: Each family adjusts points according to their values
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If Someone Has a Lot of Negative Points?
Negative points indicate a "debt" to the group. This person has benefited from others' work without contributing fairly. It's a clear signal that it's time to roll up their sleeves!
Do Points Reset to Zero?
FairChore displays the current month's points on the dashboard. You can track balance month by month, while keeping a complete history.
Can You Have Decimal Points?
Yes! The system calculates precisely to guarantee the sum remains exactly at zero. Decimals are normal and reflect the fair calculation.
Conclusion
The debt/credit point system isn't just a gimmick: it's a powerful tool that transforms the way your household manages chores. By making the invisible visible and guaranteeing mathematical equity, it eliminates sources of conflict and encourages collaboration.
Ready to establish equity in your home? Create your FairChore group and discover the power of the point system.
