Pompom Jar

The pom pom jar: a simple reward jar that works

A pom pom jar is one of the simplest positive-reinforcement systems there is. Every time a child does something you want to see more of, a pompom goes in the jar. When the jar is full, you celebrate together. Teachers have used them in classrooms for years; at home it's often called a marble jar or reward jar.

How to start a pom pom jar

  1. Pick one or two goals. Be specific: "getting dressed by yourself", "brushing teeth without a reminder", "being kind to your sister". Vague goals like "being good" are hard for children to aim at.
  2. Choose the reward together, before you start. Small and shared works best: an extra bedtime story, a trip to the park, choosing dinner, a movie night.
  3. Choose a jar size you can fill in a week or two. Younger children need to see the end coming; 10–20 pompoms is plenty to begin with. You can make the next jar bigger.
  4. Catch the good moments out loud. "That's a pompom for putting your shoes away without being asked." The praise matters as much as the pompom.
  5. Celebrate the full jar, then start again. Keep the momentum by beginning the next jar straight away, maybe with a new goal.

Should you take pompoms away?

Most families and teachers find it works best as a positive system: pompoms go in for good choices and rarely come out. Taking pompoms away can turn the jar into a source of arguments. If you do remove them, keep it rare and explain why.

Reward ideas

  • An extra story, or staying up 15 minutes later
  • Choosing dinner, or a pancake breakfast
  • A trip to the park, the beach or the library
  • A family movie or games night
  • One-on-one time with a parent
  • In class: extra play time, a class party, a pyjama day

What ages does it suit?

Pom pom jars work well from about age two to ten, for good behaviour, chores, potty training, reading, sleep routines and sibling kindness. Grown-ups use them too: a jar for exercise, practice or a new habit is surprisingly motivating.

Real jar or app?

A real jar is lovely, and nothing beats the feel of dropping a pompom in. A pom pom jar app helps when:

  • You have more than one child, and want a jar each without a shelf of jars.
  • More than one adult adds pompoms. Both parents, grandparents or a babysitter can add from their own phones, and everyone sees the same jars.
  • You're out and about. A good moment at the shops can count straight away, not "when we get home".
  • Pompoms end up everywhere, or little fingers keep topping up the jar themselves.

Pompom Jar, the app

Pompom Jar is a free iPhone and iPad app that works just like a real pom pom jar. Make a jar for each child, chore or habit, tap ＋ to add a fluffy pompom (they tumble in with real physics), and celebrate with confetti when the jar is full. Jars sync across the whole family through iCloud, an optional parent PIN stops children adding their own pompoms, and you can share a picture of a full jar with grandparents. It's available in nine languages, with no ads and no accounts.

🫙Coming soon to theApp Store

Using a jar in class? See Pompom Jar for teachers. Comparing options? Read reward jar vs sticker chart.