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If you’ve ever double-booked a dentist appointment and swimming lesson, or turned up to non-uniform day in full school uniform (complete with blazer), you’ll know that term-time life comes with a lot of moving parts.
With school runs, after-school clubs, birthdays, work meetings, and everything else competing for your brain space, organising the family calendar isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Here’s how to take the pressure off and set your family up for a smoother, saner term.
📅 1. Choose Your Calendar System (and Stick to It)
There’s no one-size-fits-all, so pick the system that suits your family best:
✏️ Paper Wall Calendars:
- Great for visual learners and younger kids
- Easy to glance at in communal spaces (like the kitchen)
- Choose one with space for multiple columns (one per family member)
📱 Digital Calendars:
- Google Calendar and Apple Calendar are free and shareable
- Colour-code for each person or type of event
- Set reminders for recurring events or one-offs like school photo day
🗂️ Combo Method:
- Use a paper calendar for the kitchen wall and a digital one for on-the-go
- Sync them weekly—Sunday evenings are ideal for a quick family check-in
Whatever you choose, make it the go-to place for everyone’s info.
👨👩👧👦 2. Get Everyone Involved
Even small kids can help track what’s going on.
- Use stickers or colour codes for their activities
- Let older children add their own events (with a little supervision)
- Discuss the week ahead as a family so everyone knows what’s coming up
When kids feel part of the planning, they’re more likely to take responsibility—bonus!
🏊♀️ 3. Log All the Regulars
It’s easy to forget things once you’re in the thick of it.
Make sure the calendar includes:
- School times, clubs and sports training
- PE days and library book return days
- Packed lunch vs. school dinners
- Parent evenings, inset days and term dates
- Birthday parties, playdates and family visits
It’s the recurring stuff that tends to trip you up when you’re tired, so getting it in early is key.
🔁 4. Set Reminders (Your New Best Friend)
Even the best calendar can’t help if you never check it.
- Use alarms or notifications for appointments and club pick-ups
- Set a weekly Sunday night reminder to review the week ahead
- Use sticky notes or whiteboards near the front door for daily checklists
Reminders are less about being forgetful, and more about being human.
📌 5. Keep a “Quick-View” Station
Have a central spot in the house for key weekly info—a fridge magnet board, hallway whiteboard or pinboard.
Include:
- This week’s overview
- PE kits / packed lunch days
- Any changes (after-school clubs cancelled, playdate added)
- Contact info for key people (just in case!)
It keeps everyone on the same page—literally.
📓 6. Use a Family Planner App (Optional but Handy)
If you love a digital solution, try one of these:
- Cozi: Simple colour-coded calendars, to-do lists and shopping lists
- TimeTree: Share events and notes between family members
- OurHome: Combines scheduling with chores and rewards
Apps aren’t for everyone, but if your phone is always nearby, they can be lifesavers.
💡 7. Don’t Overbook (Protect the Gaps!)
Sometimes the best calendar entries are the blank ones.
- Leave space for downtime—no one thrives on back-to-back activities
- Build in buffer time between pickups and drop-offs where possible
- Protect one or two family dinners or quiet evenings a week
A calm schedule helps everyone recharge—and prevents burnout for parents, too.
Final Thoughts
Organising the family calendar doesn’t mean turning into a control freak with a colour-coded clipboard (though no judgement if that’s your vibe). It’s about making life easier, spotting clashes before they happen, and feeling a bit more in charge of the daily juggle.
Remember: a calendar isn’t just a planner—it’s a sanity-saver.
