Every family has one. Somewhere there is a calendar keeping track of soccer practices, dance recitals, family trips, doctor appointments…

Every family has one. Somewhere there is a calendar keeping track of soccer practices, dance recitals, family trips, doctor appointments, and the other chaotic events of modern life. I’m willing to wager no two are exactly the same and I’m also willing to wager the majority of people think their calendar solution could be better at keeping track of the goings on for their family. Not everyone uses the same tools, same techniques, or even to the same ends, so I’m going to give some recommendations for both analog and digital family calendars.

Analog Calendars — Check the fridge

From time immemorial, the side of the fridge has been a place of honor for the family calendar. Updated frequently it can be an excellent organizational tool. Allowed to languish and it quickly becomes buried under a plethora of other documents, photos, and artwork.

Analog Tip #1 — Size matters

Don’t get a little monthly calendar such as you would receive as a gift from the bank. The bigger the better when it comes to getting things organized. Some people recommend using a dry erase calendar but I’m one who leans to paper since you can write months in advance when you need to remind yourself of things far out in your planning.

Analog Tip #2 — Tickle me

In many cases events on the calendar correspond with some form that must be turned in, completed, or payment made on schedule. Keeping track of the ancillary paperwork is key to successfully completing the activity so create a tickler file (the brown paper accordion ones with tabs for 1–31 work great). Now every time you have paperwork for a specific event just drop it in that day’s slot in the file and put a “T” on the calendar for that day. No lost paperwork, no forgotten forms.

If a form is a two part process (get it completed and then turn it in) put it in the file for the day it needs to be completed and then transfer it to the day it needs to be turned in. If it’s something to go into school for example, put it on the day before it needs to go in so the form can be put in the child’s backpack the night before (especially good for permission slips.)

Analog Tip #3 — Light up my life

Use a colored highlighter for each child and a different color for full family events. Highlight the calendar with the colors corresponding to the events so that, even at a distance, you can see what days you have things going on.

Digital Calendars — There’s a schedule in my pocket

Many families I know count on Google Calendar or other online services to keep track of all the comings and goings in their household. Here’s some recommendations on how to get more from your digital calendar.

Digital Tip #1 — Share and share alike

Digital calendars are best when shared by everyone involved in the use of the calendar. Make sure everyone relying on the calendar can access the calendar from their preferred devices to not only read but add new events to the calendar.

Digital Tip #2 — Remind me again

Using the reminders to prompt upcoming activities is pretty common on calendar applications, but here’s a twist for you Google Calendar users. Did you know you can set up to three different reminders for a calendar entry? I typically set an email reminder for a day before and a notification reminder an hour before the event. The extra reminder helps me with my schedule planning while also acting as a reassurance that nothing is being forgotten.

Digital Tip #3 — Everything old is new again

Using recurring reminders for chores, regularly scheduled appointments, or anything that happens more than once can minimize the administrative work while maximizing your productivity. Take advantage of the recurring events to act as your personal assistant when it comes to the family calendar.

Whether it’s digital or paper, the family calendar is one of the centerpieces of keeping the family productive. To get the most out of either make sure you:

1. Review the calendar each week as a family. Just because it’s written down doesn’t mean something will be forgotten.

2. Capture everything as soon as you can. The calendar is a great way to see what time you have and what time you are spending. Time with your family is the most precious time you have so make sure you’re not wasting it.

3. Put family time on the calendar rather than just leaving it to what’s left over. As I mentioned before, time with your family is the most precious so plan for it with an equivalent priority.