While many parents look forward to the end of summer and the start of school, getting through back-to-school season requires weeding through school supply lists, preparing kids for the next school year, and lots (and lots) of patience. We asked three parents, including our very own founder, Suann, their best advice for staying organized amidst the busy season.
Meet the Parents
NatashaParent of: 2 |
JessicaParent of: 2 |
SuannParent of: 2 |
What are your top tips for staying organized as a parent?
Natasha
- Put everything in a planner and plan ahead—all the days school is closed and your need to find child care cover, all dentist, doctors appointments etc. (Appointed Note: Our Year Task Planner is a great tool for just this. With it's monthly and weekly views, you always have an eye on what's on your schedule.)
Jessica
- Use a shared calendar to keep track of activities, changes in schedule, responsibilities at school, etc.
- Add items to the shared calendar as soon as possible. (Appointed Note: We love the Studio Wall Calendar for a family calendar, plus it looks great in any space.)
Suann
- Review the entire year at beginning of the school year. I take both kids' school calendars and write-in important dates, events, holidays and breaks, and exams into our family calendar.
- I also use our Studio Wall Calendar for this—its helpful to see each month at-a-glance. This allows me to take mentally prepare for what's ahead.
When is the best time to plan for the week ahead?
“On the weekend. You have some brain space from the week.”-Natasha |
“I typically plan ahead on either Saturday or Sunday morning, depending on the activities scheduled for the day. That allows time to grocery shop, run errands, and be aware of any changes in schedule/routine.”-Jessica |
“I usually plan ahead on Sunday morning when I'm fresh and rested. I'll plan lunches, look at the week ahead, and schedule accordingly."-Suann |
How do you keep your child(ren) organized?
Natasha
Jessica
Suann
|
How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
Natasha
- I make sure I fit in some exercise on a Monday morning. If I leave it later in the day or later in the week it won’t get done. Something will always crop up. If I at least get my Monday morning yoga class then everything else is a bonus. (Appointed Note: Looking for a way to track your exercise or other self-care activities? Our new Activity & Habit Log is the perfect fit.)
Jessica
- Fortunately, I’m a morning person and tend to wake up before the kids. This allows me to have some time to myself to get in some exercise. (Appointed Note: For those quiet moments in the morning, we recommend our double-sided Reflections Journal for your musings and ideas to start the day.)
- I also tend to take some time for myself at the end of the day.
Suann
- I carve out time for myself each morning and every night. Even if its a quick 30 minute run in the morning, time to catch up on my computer, or read at night, I always try to have some time to decompress and get things ready for the next day.
These insights from parents reminded us that sometimes you just have to take it one day at a time. We love our Daily Planner for just that, with a page for each day and sturdy hardcover to protect your precious to-dos from small hands and bottomless work bags. Our full 23-24 Planner Collection has something for every stage of parenting.
Parenting is hard and we know getting organized is only half the battle. We salute all the parents out there as they prepare for the new school year.
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