It’s a many times rehashed debate. Should I pay my kids for doing chores, or not? Should they earn an allowance for the things they do around the house? There seem to be two views on this issue. The No! club who believes that kids should contribute to the upkeep of their home and shouldn’t expect to be compensated. And then the Yes! club who tends to think that kids should be paid for helping out and being responsible. After all, it prepares them for having a real job in the future. As a parent, I tend to lean towards the no club with some of the yes philosophy thrown…
-
-
Top 10 Picks for Teen Boy Gifts 2018
**This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. If you have spent any time on Life of Nine, you know that my husband and I have six boys ranging in age from 12 to 19. Then add in my 8, 4 and 3 year old nephews! That is a lot of boys that we buy for every year!! All of my boys have their individual likes, dislikes and personalities, but I have come up with some gifts that I pretty much feel could work for any of my boys or their friends because they are…
-
Teaching Responsibility
Responsibility is a really hard concept to teach. And there are so many little things thrown in there as well such as consequences, honesty, and independence just to start. It’s one of those things you have to turn over to the child at some point because if you force them to be responsible, are they? Or are they being obedient? I mean, I do want my kids to be obedient. But I really want them to be responsible. I want them to take care of what they need to do when no one is standing there telling them to do it. Right now, it’s 10:00 p.m. on a Monday night…
-
5 Ways to Keep a Large Family Organized (and not go insane!)
Five simple things to do to keep a large family organized!
-
How We Became Nine – Part One
Almost overnight we went from a family of five to a family of eight, and then nine! It was a journey through foster care and adoption.
-
Stromboli! It’s What’s for Dinner!
Love Italian food? Try my quick and easy Stromboli recipe the entire family will enjoy!
-
10 Ways to Have Fun as a Family When You Don’t Have a Lot of Money
Life is expensive these days! And when you are trying to figure out how to do things as a family when there are nine of you, it’s even worse!! One thing I really hate as a mom is having to say no ALL. THE. TIME!! I mean, really, it just sucks! So in order to avoid that dreaded no to everything, I have come up with some ways to have fun as a family that don’t totally break the bank! 1. Family Game Night This one is time tested and has been around forever…and there is a reason for that! We have family game nights a few times a month. One…
-
DIY Orange-Infused Vinegar Natural Cleaner
I have made a sincere effort to go more natural over the last several years, both with what we eat and the products I use in my home. Ah-hmm… admittedly, to varying degrees of success. However! The keyword here is effort! Back when I first started experimenting with natural cleaners, my kids and hubby would come in when I was cleaning and automatically wrinkle their noses and say, ‘Vinegar! Ew!’ So, I consider it a total mom victory that now I can clean with my homemade cleaners and have the kids not even slightly wrinkle their cute little noses! And I know I’m not using any harsh chemicals in our…
