Life on the Go with Kids

Are you a busy mom or dad frantically trying to keep up with your schedule?  It gets even more complicated when your children are involved in multiple activities!

Your mightiest weapon is the calendar!  Your first step is to have multiple calendars of all required activities.  Most organized sports teams will furnish you with a team calendar listing all practices and games.  Post all calendars in plain view.  I have found it most effective to post on the “tried and true” refrigerator door!

Next, have a master calendar listing all activities for the day including time and place.  You could also color-code the activities for each family member.  This way, a quick glance will give you Johnny’s schedule for the day.

Another helpful tool is to schedule these activities on your Outlook Calendar.  An alarm will go off at the time you have entered for a specific activity.

You can also set up reminders on your cell phone.  Most people never go anywhere without their cell phones!  This way, you are sure of what is ahead for the day.

Does this sound complicated?  It can be!  If you stay frazzled dashing from one activity to the next, consider these options:

· Limit your child’s extra-curricular activities to 2 or 3

· Take turns with other parents with transportation

· Enlist the help of other family members

· Opt out of activities such as concession stand duty, you can pay someone to fill your spot

Busy families are becoming consumed by activities and missing quality time together.  If everyone is always in a hurry and tired, no one is happy.  Talk to your children.  You may be surprised to find that they are willing to give up something.  For your own sanity, make sure you still have some “you” time!