How We Tame Our Family Calendar

Our family has had over 150 medical appointments in the past 12 months. It feels like we live at the doctor and therapy offices. We are on a first-name basis with everyone at the pharmacy. When you throw in multiple different school schedules, a full-time job, and events with friends and family, our schedule can quickly feel overwhelming. Can you relate? Here is the system we have put in place to help find some sanity in our schedule.

Shared Calendars

Several years ago, my wife Laureann and I set up our phones so that our calendars are synced and we can both see all the events that the other adds. Each of us also has our phone alert us when any changes are made to any event on the calendar. This has been an absolute game changer. By being on the same page, we can easily schedule the next appointment or activity without worrying that the other has a conflicting event.

Weekly Meetings

With our calendars now in sync, it’s time to do some planning, as no two weeks are the same in our house. Once a week (usually Sunday evening), we sit down and plan out our week. This includes who is doing any drop-offs or pickups, what vehicle we will need to drive, when we are getting groceries, what phone calls need to be made, my running schedule, and anything else that either of us feels is important. This 30 minutes is a fantastic way to communicate with each other, set expectations for the week, and avoid conflict that arises from not being on the same page.

Roll With the Punches

Of course, life happens. School calls and needs someone to pick a sick kid up. Rain cancels a previously planned event. Or a thousand other things could derail that perfect plan we put together Sunday evening. That’s ok. We expect these things to happen. Is it frustrating? You bet. But by having a plan in place at the beginning of the week, it allows us to quickly pivot and make the necessary adjustments.

Bonus Tips

1. We share multiple calendars. This helps me as I plan so I can visually see by color who is attending what event. If things get too confusing, find what works for you. Here is our list: Robby, Laureann, Work, Kids, Medical, Carter Work, and Running.
2. We also usually write the name of doctors and who will be attending the appointment in the event title so we can see these details at a quick glance.
3. Put the address in all events. When you get ready to leave, your maps app should have the address ready to go when you get in the car.

Try It Out

If you don’t already share a calendar with your significant other, try it out! Set up one calendar this week and start adding events to it. I promise it will help relieve some of that family schedule stress!