Organizing a schedule for your family!

Organizing a schedule for a family does not have to be difficult.  Choose your method and stick with it! If you are a tech wiz, then an electronic planner might work best for you. Electronic planners give you the ability to add “oodles” of information to each event. If you want to invite others to your event, or get it on your husband’s calendar, you can send the event via email so that he can add it to his electronic calendar. This works very well for me and my husband when we are apart and want to schedule something without a conflict arising. The best part of an electronic calendar is the reminder settings. You can set the reminder a few days before a child’s birthday party and you will never forget to buy that Barbie doll or GI Joe! Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are available just about anywhere. You can buy them on your own or take the plunge and upgrade your cell phone to a PDA phone. PDA phones can include access to your electronic calendar, contacts, email and give you access to the web. All in one small portable tool! They’re also great because you can synchronize them with your calendar at work, your Google calendar or whatever electronic calendar you use on your computer. If you are at a friend’s house and realize you do not have your PDA phone to schedule the next play date, do not fear!  If your friend has a computer and you have an online calendar, you can pull it up and add it in a snap! After you enter the event, it will automatically be added to your calendar on your PDA phone.

If you are not ready for the electronic planner, then the good ole standby of the paper planner is just fine. A few advantages of a paper planner is that you can look at an entire week or month at one time, it never needs to be charged, and adding an event is fast (as long as you have a pencil). You can either have a small one in your purse or a wall calendar. If you have a large family, a wall calendar can work great. Assign each member a colored pencil of their own to enter events, appointments or reminders – that can halt confusion of noted entries. You have endless choices for paper planners – the free one from a Hallmark store each January has been working for my sister for years.  A more detailed paper planner by Baldwin Cooke, Day-Timer, and Franklin Covey work well if you need more than just a calendar. These detailed planners also have sections for “to-do” lists, contacts, mileage recording, etc.  As far as the cover for these types of planners, options are endless! You can choose plain black or brown leather or go for something more personalized with a choice of a design with your initials on the cover. Remember to add your name and contact number to the inside cover of a paper planner just in case it is misplaced.

Whether you use an electronic or paper planner, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. enter appointments, events and reminders as soon as you learn  of them;
2. refer to your planner each morning to see your schedule for the day;
3. if electronic – charge your planner before going to bed;
4. if paper, make sure it is in your purse or briefcase each night; and
5. keep one central calendar for the family – more calendars does not make you more organized.

Additional Organization Tips

• Managing Papers {Tip 24 of 31}
• DIY Homework Folder {Tip 10 of 31}
• School Schedule at Your Fingertips {Tip 15 of 31}
• Good Record Keeping is a Must! Tips on Organizing your Medical Records
• Drowning in Paperwork? Here’s What Helps Us
• PSN Child’s School Provider List Form
• My Child’s Emergency Medical Information
• My Child’s Medical Provider List Contact Information
• PSN My Child’s Medications Form
• Building a Resource Manual for Future Caregivers
• Being Organized Simplifies your Life!