Organizing Your Week + Free Printable

We all crave rhythm and routine. Whether it's our toddler, preschool child, or ourselves, there is no denying the stability to our hearts and minds that predictability brings from our days and schedules.

As moms we know that having a plan is half the battle to setting up your family for success. That's why we have a FREE printable for you to help you organize your day and week to get more done. You can laminate a sheet and use a wet erase marker, you can stick it in a pretty frame to hang in a family command center, or just print off as needed and stick in a binder or planner. 

At times, there will always be unforeseen circumstances, but having a plan for how you are going to execute your to-do list is huge in motivating you (and your family members) to stay on task and getting things done. Did you know writing things out increases your likelihood of follow through and success? 

Naturally, there will always be the rotating cast of chores that will always need doing- laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning. But oftentimes there are also time-sensitive needs that have to be addressed in a week. That's not counting bigger projects like organizing and spring cleaning!

We have put together a simple planner for you to visualize your tasks by days of the week, while also having space to make notes of those extra calls, texts, emails you need to fill in whenever you have a chance. The Bonus: a space for a dinner plan! We like the "set it and forget it" method of deciding once, write it down, and then you or your family members know the plan once meal time rolls around. 

Some things to keep in mind when trying to organize your time:

• Aim for rhythms rather than rigidity (ex: Start a load of laundry in the morning rather than a load at 8:30am sharp).
• Plan for "batching" your days- it's easier to gain momentum and get more done all at once- stay home and multitask, or go out and run as many errands as possible, etc.
• Come up with a plan that make sense for you and your family. Example: maybe you run errands in the morning, and do chores at home in the afternoon during naptime.
• Contemplate if there are any changes you can make to help alleviate stressful schedules. Can you change a time you do something? Can you wake up earlier one day a week to squeeze an extra task in?
• Consider asking for help. Amidst the busyness of life, it is worth taking a little longer on tasks to train your children how to do them. It can be fun for them, and brings the family together closer when everyone helps out. Check out our blog post on age appropriate chores for kids! 
• Give yourself grace. Remind yourself that you are a Human BEING, not a Human DOING. It's okay to have days where you don't have much written out on paper. You're still doing great! 

Part of keeping your day moving along also involves little ones! If you haven't established Morning + Nighttime Routines with them, start with a few repeatable actions that your kids can make into habits to help as part of an overall family action plan for a successful week. 

Keep in mind that as your kids grow and your family changes, so also will your rhythms and schedules. Planning your days can be useful in reducing unnecessary stress and chaos. But remember: the routine and plan is a tool to serve you and your family. You are not a slave to your planner! Some days call for no plan and spontaneity! Continue doing the good work of mothering and have fun in the process! We know there are days that can feel overwhelming, but it won't always be like that. Brighter days are ahead!

Download Printable HERE.