In having a school-aged child, life naturally gives you three solid opportunities to reset your family calendar each year: January (who doesn’t like an annual reset?), May (school ends, childcare shifts, etc), and September (fall back to school energy). With “school” starting right after Labor Day, we are taking a step back to reflect on our personal and family commitments.
But before we start talking about resetting your family calendar, let’s agree upon some longstanding myths and the reality of life:
Myths:
Just because you’ve always done something, you have to keep doing it // This is just craziness and also a terrible reason to keep doing something. If it is no longer serving you, let it go.
You are doing a disservice to your kid(s) by not signing them each up for 973 things // Um, no. Just no. Kids are incredibly resilient (I mean, have you seen them the last 6 months??). I’m all for signing your kids up for sports or arts or maker events, but you don’t have to sign them up for anything to be a good parent. Do what you can afford and what fits in your life. The Jones-es are exhausted. Don’t be like the Jones-es.
You are a better parent if you enroll your kids in all the things // See above. You aren’t better. You are probably just tired.
Truths:
“No” is a full sentence.
You own your calendar and your time. Design your calendar around your priorities.
You can - and should - review and adjust your calendar seasonally. Things can change. If you need a “break,” take one. If you are ready to add something new, great!
** A quick note that neither of these lists are exhaustive. Add your own myths and truths. Know that as long as your calendar reflects your priorities, you are doing a great job!
Calendar Planning Process
Take a moment to jot down your personal top 1 to 3 priorities for the fall (September through December).
My priorities:
Hold time biweekly for meetings with my therapist
Host one weekly virtual organizing workshop
Take a moment to jot down your family’s top 1 to 3 priorities for the fall (September through December).
My family’s priorities:
Figure out what virtual learning looks like, along with afternoon childcare
Soccer for my son
Thrive (I was going to write “survive,” but I need to send better vibes out to the universe, so I’m hoping to find the space and flexibility for our family to thrive in the coming months)
Now, what does your time actually allow for?
My capacity:
Virtual Learning will be over most days by 1PM, we will hopefully have some sort of child care support from 1PM until 4PM
I work everyday until 3PM (signing on again after bedtime, as needed)
We try to only schedule a maximum of two “events” each week
Of your priorities, what can you fit in that works with your available capacity?
What we are prioritizing:
Wednesdays:
My therapy (currently over Zoom)
Weekly organizing workshop
Fridays:
Soccer
Sundays:
Soccer
What are we de-prioritizing:
Gym class (for our son)
Plug in your new “ideal week”
My husband and I have a joint Google Calendar where we add all of our son’s activities. It provides clear communication around our commitments and allows us to prevent double booking. At the start of each season, we make adjustments as needed.
Give your fall calendar a try and schedule time in four weeks to assess if it is serving your needs. If something isn’t working, change it!
If you are looking for a daily schedule to help plan your days with virtual learning, head over to our free resources and download the one that is the best fit for your family composition!