Keeping track of sports practices, lessons, birthday parties and other family commitments becomes a chore itself, especially as your kids get older. A family schedule helps organize all of the commitments, creating a central reference point to keep it straight. A schedule establishes routines for the family and prevents a chaotic family structure, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Consistent, predictable schedules with some flexibility work best for kids.
Step 1
Write each family member's regular commitments on a large calendar. Use a different color marker for each family member so you can easily identify who is involved in each activity. For example, you might write all of your daughter's dance recitals in purple, your meetings in red, your spouse's work commitments in blue and family activities in orange.
Step 2
Review the calendar before committing to any new activities to avoid overscheduling the family. Consider scaling back some of your commitments if your calendar is overloaded.
Step 3
Draw a grid to track the schedule on a piece of paper, creating two columns and multiple rows to write in the daily schedule components. As an alternative, create a spreadsheet on the computer for quick adjustments to the schedule.
Step 4
Fill in the family wake-up time on the schedule. Include the components of your family's morning routine, which should always include breakfast, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises. The AAP also recommends including a goodbye routine with your child to give her a feeling of security at the beginning of the day.
Step 5
Pencil in regular meal times as a family. Dinner gives you a chance to catch up as a family. Including it on the schedule helps you commit to the family meal each day.
Step 6
Write in the regular commitments for family members, using the calendar as a reference.
Step 7
Schedule blocks of time for playing and spending time together. Keep these times flexible so you can fit in the types of family activities and chores necessary each day.
Step 8
Write in bedtimes for each member of the family. The AAP recommends a consistent bedtime with a consistent routine leading up to bedtime. Write your own bedtime on the family schedule to help avoid staying up too late.
Tips and Warnings
- Review your family schedule periodically and make adjustments as necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Calendar
- Marker
