Managing the Family Calendar

Busy Spring season have you stressed? Hold on to your hats, because Summer is right around the corner!

I know in my life, we are constantly invited to BBQs, parties, kids events, school events, graduations and the list goes on…  But there is a fine line between having lots of fun with friends and family and wanting to bury our heads in the sand.  I know I have been there.  But I can say, that once “there” the fun and socializing and laughter make it all worth it.  And for those events where you’ll be subjected to people and energy that doesn’t fuel you, I say skip it all together… Save your sanity…send a gift! 

With a family of 6 and lots of events and extra curricular activities, over the years I have created a system to help me maintain my sanity and always have a gift!  (OK.  Except that one time last month when the gift needed to be ordered on-line and I down right forgot… we all oops once in a while). But normally I have gifts in advance so that I don’t worry about it last minute because for me, that is just too darn stressful!

Now don’t get me wrong, I love technology.  I use it daily for “filing” and keeping things accessible “in the cloud”!  But when it comes to managing a calendar,  even though I still Outlook and have an intense system, I also use a paper calendar in the laundry room for all family members to see and refer to regularly.  The more they know, the less questions need be asked!

So I will share with you ideas I use everyday to help keep my social life a little more streamlined!

1.  When you receive invitations for school events, weddings, parties, barbecues etc:

• Immediately place them on the home’s “master” calendar ( which should be visible to all for frequent referencing ) For Ex: In my home we use a magnetic weekly calendar. Each week is a new page.  When the week is over, pull off the sheet and move on.  I can also record events weeks in advance.

• When utilizing a “Master Calendar”, write the events in chronological order to keep things better organized.  (ie: 9AM …school event  1130…lunch with …330…play-date with…6PM soccer practice)  You get the picture!

Bonus idea: You can also use a different color pen for each member of the family!

2.  Keep the information out and visible until it is:

• listed on your calendar
• necessary “items/gifts” are added to a “need to buy” list
• RSVP has been made  ( if you can, do it now and get it over with! )

3.   Next, you need to add items such as gifts or wine that you plan to bring or cupcakes you plan to bake for such events immediately to the calendar and/or your “shopping” list.

• You will then go to the “master calendar” and place these items again on the calendar but …at least one week before (if the invitation is received early enough of course)
• This allows you to again, streamline all of your shopping and decreases trips out to the store. This also prevents the ”gotta stop at the store on the way to the party to pick up a gift” scenario, which inevitably brings you to the event/party stressed, already exhausted and probably late!

4.   Now, what to do with all those invitations and directions and upcoming school events?

• In our home we use to use a very sturdy large refrigerator magnet. but with our recent kitchen reno hanging stuff on the stainless steal fridge is a now a no-no.  So now we have adopted a “file” system where we can find in chronological order all necessary invitations, order forms, directions etc.  ( You can also use a pretty and decorative folder or organizing rack.  Just remember, it only works if it works for YOU! )
• When you have “recorded” everything necessary on the calendar and buy list and prep list, and made the RSVPs… Keep all the invites, directions and class trip forms etc in ONE place…arrange them chronologically with the most recent on top; as the event arrives, you will always be able to double check the time or location of the event and you won’t forget to hand in the school projects on time.  As the event passes, throw it away and move on!

Bonus Idea:  Always attempt to “bundle” your errands.  This significantly decreases time and increases fuel efficiency on your car!  Try to never go to just one stop!

Super Bonus: I list my planned meals on this calendar as well!

Hopefully what I shared here can help you feel less stressed by your social obligations so that you can enjoy what they are truly meant for, fun and friendship!