This is day 6 of How to Live on One Income Guide. To read all the post in order start on Day 1 here.
Creating a Family Schedule That Works for You
Once one person is staying at home, that person is the keeper of all the knowledge of where everyone is supposed to be. Yes, this responsibility falls on you most of the time. At least it does in our family. It is hard to keep up with a paper calendar for only one person. I have listed several solutions to help you tackle the missed appointments and forgotten programs in your home.
Shared Digital Calendar
Agreeing on a shared online digital calendar is a good idea for the entire family schedule to be in one place. We have a shared google calendar with my husband and two teenagers. Before we schedule anything, we must consult the shared family calendar. I love that is always with me whenever someone calls for an appointment or wants to do something. Especially doctors, dentists and friends. A quick glance at the calendar and I know if it is a yes or no.
Command Center
Having a command center is an excellent way to visually see the family schedule and what is happening for the week or month. A dry erase calendar like this one is ideal to keep everyone on track. Using different color dry erase markers for each person makes for a quick visual of everyone’s schedule for the week. For me I have to see it and I have to see it everyday. Digitally is great when I need it, but if it is not on a calendar I can see daily, I may miss an appointment. Yes this has happened. Our calendar is filled out at the beginning of each month to keep everyone on track.
Chore Chart
Daily chore chart teaches kid responsibilities. They can also earn money towards things they want to buy. Create a chore chart for your family based on age appropriate tasks for each kid. The dishes and taking care of our cat are easy tasks our kids can help with. They should be something they are proud to accomplish. Not having to say “no we don’t need that” has been a welcomed blessing for this mom. Now I can say “Yes, you can buy that with your own money.” They tend to think about how much they really wanted the item in the first place. It has relieved some major mom guilt, too.
Here are a few Chore Charts and Command Centers for Inspiration
Easy Toddler Chore Charts – The Nerd’s Wife
A Family Command Center – Duke’s and Duchesses
Chore Chart for Kids of All Ages – Penny Pinchin’ Mom
[Go to day 7 of How to Live on One Income]
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