10 Tips for keeping an organized family schedule leading up to Summer

Summer is rapidly approaching, which also means it’s the perfect time for schedules to get very disorganized. Although your schedule may be getting crazier, it doesn’t mean it has to stay unorganized. Check out these 10 tips for keeping an organized family schedule this summer.  This month we have end of the school year performances, class parties, talents shows, Memorial Day Weekend, early release days, teacher planning and all sorts of gatherings!  It makes me almost excited for a more relaxed summer schedule.

#1. Sync Your Calendar- If you keep digital calendars, one way to keep the family’s schedule organized is to make sure you sync them. This will ensure everyone knows what’s going on at all times.

#2. Write it Down– Even if you have a digital calendar, make sure you take the time to write down your family’s schedule.

#3. Color Code the Schedule- If you have more than one child in your family, color coding is an awesome way to keep the family’s schedule organized. For example: one kid’s events can be outlined in blue and another kid’s events in red.

#4. Communication is Key- Disorganization comes when things are not communicated correctly. When a child knows they have practice, it’s important that they relay this information to you. Is there a family reunion coming up soon? Make sure you know all of the details. Ask as many questions as needed because this will help keep you more organized.

#5. Double Check the Calendar- As much as families try hard to remember everything that’s happening, it’s important to double check the calendar as much as possible. Set alarms on your phone to remind you to check your calendar a couple of times a day. When you’re informed, you feel less stressed and anxious about the events of the day.

#6. Write Down Important Events- Sometimes the space on our calendars gets overtaken by silly comments or remarks. Make it a rule that only important events are written down on the calendar. If you look at a calendar, there’s only so much room, so only reserve the little white box for events that are important.

#7. Use Pictures for Visual Effect- Sometimes you don’t even need words. You can use something like a soccer sticker with a time by it for a reminder of soccer practice. If you’re not a family who enjoys reading tons of events on the calendar, then perhaps using pictures for a more visual effect is the way for you to go.

#8. Update the Calendar Regularly- You can’t expect a calendar to help you stay organized if you don’t use it regularly. Spend time each week updating the family calendar with important events.

#9. Use Pencil When Possible- If you’re using a large family calendar, make sure to use pencil when possible. Writing events in pen can make it a huge mess. Once you know it’s a final event, you can always go over it in pen.

#10. Teach Your Kids to Read the Schedule- Help your kids learn how to read the calendar, so they can help mom and dad stay on track this summer with all the crazy events headed their way.