Mommy and Me Journals

Sometimes I feel that I am not able to give each one of my kiddos the individual attention that they need - that they deserve.  I, of course, feel super guilty about this.  At the start of this school year I decided to do something about it.  I made these "mommy and me journals."  

It is a simple composition book that I covered with scrapbook paper.  I personalized it with their names (but of course, I'm showing you the back so you don't see their names :)

In the back is a simple ribbon hot glued to the inside cover - it's our bookmark.

My kids write a letter to me and let me know what they are thinking.  They let me know what they wanted to tell me but I was too busy running around to listen.  They write and I take the time to listen.

This is I.'s page telling me what bugs her:

G. is writing:

And then I write back and tell them how wonderful they are.  I just set it on their bed when I'm done.

And they set it on my bed when they are done.  We are averaging about one letter every other week.  But I love it - I hope this reinforces how incredible they are and how much I value our relationship.

It doesn't ease all the guilt I have about not giving them individual attention - but it is one step closer!

Link parties I participate in: 504 Main, A bowl full of lemons, Be Different Act Normal,  Blue Cricket Design, Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime,  Lolly Jane Boutique, Ninth Street Notions, Serenity Now, Sew Chatty, Simply Sweet Home, Skip to my Lou, Someday Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, The Blackberry Vine, The Girls Creative, Thrifty Decor Chick, Today's Creative Blog

Allowance - MacDougall Family Style

Yes, we give our kids allowance.  And we have been doing so for over 2 years.  Before we started, I read a lot about allowance and teaching kiddos about money.  There are a lot of different opinions and thoughts regarding the matter.  It can be quite controversial.  I'm not trying to stir up a pot- this is how we do it and it works for us, so I thought I'd share.

 At the beginning of every month, our kids get allowance.  They do not have to earn it, they are given it.  Chores are an expected part of being in our family, piano practicing is part of being in this family - you do not get paid for it.  Tom and I had different opinions on this at first, but I think you have to figure out the purpose of allowance.  Our purpose is to teach our kids about money.  We use other things to teach about working hard or about responsibilities.  Allowance is about money and I think it's hard for a little one to budget and plan when you don't know how much to prepare for.  That can come later in life.  Right now we are just working on the basics.

Anyways, we give them $1 for every year.  My six year old gets six dollars a month and my nine year old gets nine dollars a month.

I stop by the bank every month and get ones and rolls of dimes.  They have to pay 10% tithing and 10% savings.  Everything left over is theirs to spend.  I use the roll of dimes so they can trade dollars for dimes - it's easier for them to count and make change.

Tithing goes in their tithing jar and savings goes in their piggy banks.

The rest goes in their wallet, aka a pencil pouch.

They are responsible for recording every penny that comes in and comes out.  I like them to be able to see what they are spending their money on.

Because they get their own money, we don't buy things/stuff for them unless it is for some occasion.  If they want books from the book order, they have to use allowance. 

My oldest can not save money - it burns a hole in her pocket!  But, she is learning how long it takes to save up money and how fast it can go.  While we were at a gift shop the other day, she was shocked that it would cost $4 to break open a rock.  She knew that if she wanted to do it, we would tell her to spend her own money.  She has "wasted" a lot of money on little silly things, but I think she is finally getting it and money is becoming more valuable to her.

There is nothing fancy or elaborate about our system.  I even hand write their register!  If it gets too complicated, it isn't long-lasting in our home.  It is simple and it works.

Do you give your kids allowance?

Welcome Ade!

My sister had her baby - Ade Kesler Lewis. We are so excited - it makes 4 little McCain babies born within a year. I had to quick send something, so these shirts are coming her way.