9 Genius Calendar Hacks to Organize Your Family Now
With three kids, the family calendar runs our household. And as the kids get older, it feels more and more like I’m living in a jigsaw puzzle.
If you’re reading this, you know what I mean. Three practices on the same night. Or a band concert, Scout meeting, and work event back to back.
Raising a family is not for the disorganized. You just wouldn’t survive.
So, today check out the best family calendar hacks to keep you organized and balanced. So that you run your calendar, and not the other way around.
Key Takeaway: The best calendar system is the one you use! And different things work for different people. So give these tips a try, and then choose the best for you.
9 Smart Family Calendar Hacks
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1. Use a Shared Digital Calendar
My husband and I share a digital calendar on our phones. This works as our master calendar. And what’s nice is that:
- events can be recurring every week or month
- many sports apps and other calendars sync effortless to it too – saving LOADS of time inputting every practice.
Sync a family calendar using a calendar app, Google Calendar or your iPhone calendar. That way, you’re all on the same page.
Be sure to include
- school schedules
- work schedules
- extracurricular activities
- and social events
Anything that might trip up your household routine should be on there!
2. Make Notes Right on Your Calendar
Make notes as needed right on the calendar app. Mark down things like:
- if you need paperwork for dr appts
- a gift for birthday parties
- anything you need to bring on a field trip
By marking notes with the calendar event you keep all the info for it in one place. That way, you don’t have to search another app or find a piece of paper (that is likely lost under 1,000 art pages) for the details.
3. Schedule Ahead As Often As Possible
When you are busy raising your family, it can be hard to fit in other important but less urgent tasks. So, schedule your next doctor’s appt before you leave this one. And make the next date with friends before you leave the one you’re at.
Yes, it can be an extra step before you leave. But it saves you from having to try to fit it in later.
4. Make A Command Center
In addition to using a long-term digital calendar, my family keeps a large dry erase calendar up on the fridge. While the digital calendar keeps track months ahead, this one gives us the month at a glance.
It ensures that everyone can see what’s happening (without a phone) and refer to it when needed. Keep it somewhere the entire family passes by often.
If your kids are older, you can also check out a digital screen calendar in place of a dry erase board.
Related: 10 Genius Family Command Center Ideas
5. Color-Code Your Physical Calendar
Assign a different color to each family member on the calendar to easily track who’s doing what at a glance.
Or you could color code the kind of tasks they are. Maybe mom’s work events are put in green, while kids activities are in black.
6. Set Alarms and Notifications
I learned this the hard way. My daughter’s soccer practice has been at 4:30 pm. While this is fine on school days, any time we have a day off, I struggle to remember to get there on time.
I had to fix this with reminders to avoid last-minute chaos.
Pro Tip: You can also add alerts for extra things your kids need to take to school with them (i.e. Halloween treats for the classroom party)
7. Plan Meals on the Calendar
Incorporate meal planning into your calendar to simplify dinner decisions, save time, and ensure you have the groceries you need for the week.
Why not use a themed meal plan and make your grocery list recurring too? You’ll save hours in planning!
8. Schedule Family Time
Schedules get crazy busy with kids.
So, block out time for family fun, downtime, and family meetings. You don’t want these important moments to get lost in the shuffle. In today’s non-stop world, it’s critical to prioritize time that leaves your family feeling recharged.
9. Review And Adjust
At the end of each month, review what worked and what didn’t. Then, adjust your calendar system or routine for smoother sailing. By staying aware and tweaking, you’ll make sure that the calendar is working best for where your family is in the moment.
Related:
- Best Homework Station Ideas for Kids
- Free Morning Routine Chart for Kids
- Bedtime Routine Strategies for Kids That Actually Work
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