Your Family's Digital Upgrade: Kicking Off the School Year Organized
Hello, dear readers!
With the start of the school year just around the corner, many of us are feeling the pressure of getting everything organized. It’s like trying to drink from a fire hose! With four kids involved in sports, multiple doctor appointments, and the flood of school information coming our way, I’ve decided to tackle the chaos head-on by upgrading our family calendar to a digital one. Let’s dive into the options available and how they can make your life easier.
Free Digital Calendar Options
- Google Calendar: A versatile and user-friendly option, Google Calendar allows you to create multiple calendars, share them with family members, and set reminders. Syncing across devices is seamless, making it a great choice for families on the go.
- Cozi Family Organizer: Specifically designed for families, Cozi includes a shared calendar, shopping lists, to-do lists, and even a family journal. The color-coded calendar makes it easy to see who needs to be where at a glance.
- Microsoft Outlook: If you’re already using Microsoft products, Outlook’s calendar feature integrates well with other tools like email and tasks. It offers shared calendars and customizable views to keep track of everyone’s schedules.
Making it Work for Your Family
The key to success with any digital calendar is consistency. In our house, Sunday evenings after dinner have become our planning time. We sit down together, go over the upcoming week’s plans, assign chores, and set goals. Even our youngest, who’s five, loves this routine. We use picture cards next to his checklist, and he feels so accomplished when he completes his daily tasks.
If your kids are too young for phones, consider a family command center. This can be a printed-off paper or whiteboard version of your digital calendar, placed in a central location. Having a visual representation of the week’s activities helps everyone stay on the same page.
Creating a Family Command Center
We opted for a family command center to complement our digital calendar. It’s a visual hub where everyone can see what’s happening at a glance. Whether you choose a printed-off calendar, a whiteboard, or even a digital screen, the key is to make it accessible and engaging for everyone.
Tips for Success
- Pick a Planning Day: For us, it’s Sunday evenings. Find a time that works for your family and make it a weekly ritual.
- Set Clear Expectations: During our planning session, we discuss expectations and set goals. This helps everyone understand their responsibilities for the week.
- Make it Fun: Turn planning into a family team-building activity. Celebrate accomplishments, even the small ones. This keeps everyone motivated and engaged.
Countdown to School Start
With Floyd and Clark County schools starting back up in less than three weeks, now is the perfect time to get organized. Remember, the goal is to start the school year strong and work smarter, not harder. This plan not only keeps you prepared but also brings the family together as a team.
So, let’s embrace the digital age, streamline our schedules, and maybe even look forward to the kids heading back to school. (Some of us can’t wait for that first day of school excitement!)
