Finding balance is hard. It is never easy. It usually is one or the other. More family, less work. More friends, less family. More work, less lots of things. Over time I’ve learned that the key to finding balance isn’t done by yourself.
First, it takes pre-planning and being organized.
Second, you should know that achieving balance is a team thing, a “village” thing. It’s something you are able to achieve in your life if everyone around you supports your idea of finding balance.
Both Chris and I work full time. Chris works shifts and I have a more flexible schedule. I work during the week and I’m able to work from home on Wednesdays. We have one day a week when we’re home together. So both Chris and I make sure not to book any appointments, or run any errands on Sunday. We make Sunday our family day, we try to do something fun. To make sure Chris and I are on the same page with everything, we share a calendar and I pre-plan what we’re going to do on Sundays so it’s a priority.
Tools to Stay Organized:
Apple Calendar
Get you and your partner set up on a shared electronic calendar that you can access from your phone. Chris and I both have iPhones and use our Apple Calendars religiously. We have one calendar that’s set up so we can share it. Which means we can add, edit and see each other’s schedules and appointments.
How to set up a shared Apple Calendar.
I love this system because:
- I can set up multiple calendars and colour-code them and their events. I have a calendar for work, home (shared with Chris) and an Urban Mom calendar.
- I can set up recurring events very easily. For example, birthdays. These get set up so they repeat annually. Or traditions like our annual Friends Trip to the Pumpkin Patch. Or Chris’ work shifts which happen daily.
- I can sync Apple Calendar with Google Calendar as well.
- I can easily send event invites by email to people I am coordinating with.
- LASTLY, I can print out my calendar or a specific calendar and put it up on the fridge for everyone to see or print a weekly one for my notebook.
Google Calendar
Another great electronic calendar tool. This syncs with your Android phone and your email – if you use Gmail. I don’t use Google Cal as much but it works very similarly to Apple Calendar.
The Conscious Family Organizer
If you’re more of a “pen to paper” kind of person, a wall calendar is probably your best bet. The Conscious Family Organizer is made in Vancouver by a group of parenting coaches. It has lots of space to write in your appointments, events and even little notes. It also has a bit of parenting advice on every page.
Dry Erase Magnetic Calendar
Similar to the wall calendar a dry erase calendar is a great option if you want your family to see any important events, classes, or appointments. Here’s one I found on Amazon. I find that when I write with a dry erase marker that it’s a little messy or too big. So these calendars don’t have enough space for me and I find that I also have an electronic calendar as well, which means I’m writing things down twice. But if it works for you and your family, I’d go for it!
What kind of calendar system do you like using?
Happy planning and making time to spend with your families!
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
