How to Start off the Year Organized!

Why is it important to start the new year as an organized parent? Try not being an organized parent!

Every day is a new day, and each new year is made up of one day after another. I believe that planning your days, weeks, months, and even years, sets you up to stay focused throughout and to be an even more successful parent.

– Sendhy Pamela

What Planner Do I use?

Planning plays a vital role for me as a parent. Without it, I would be lost and would probably be double-scheduling appointments over the same dates and times. That is exactly why you will never see me leave my house without my go-to Erin Condren Life Planner (ECLP). Finding this planner was fate and has made me more organized than I have ever been. Before my life with an ECLP, I used a plain monthly Office Depot planner and my smartphone’s calendar. Nothing wrong with being basic and using technology, but it was not functional for my family’s needs at all. I often found myself carrying the monthly planner and notebook and still looking frantically through my phone’s calendar to find appointments. That part of my life was very chaotic and unorganized. The year just felt like a big, blurry mess – something that no parent needs.

Now that I have finally found what they call “planner peace,” as every year ends, I set up my new  planner with yearly overviews. This section is used to record all school holidays, meetings, exams, early dismissals, yearly checkups, birthdays/anniversaries, and possible days for family getaways. I also like to set up monthly goals in my ECLP. We have both family and individual goals – whether it be to declutter the closets, renovate our kitchen, or attend a new course related to my field of work. I never go into a new year without setting up this portion of my planner. It brings me peace and allows my family to see the big picture.

How my Planner Helps me be an Organized Parent.

In my planner, you will find not only my yearly overview, but also monthly calendars with everyone’s appointments and schedules. These events include family dinners, movie nights, date nights, and when to take our fur baby to the vet. I find it functional to see an overview of everything and to know what my family has scheduled for any given day. Besides being practical, there is a portion of the Erin Condren Life Planner that gives you the freedom to track anything you want. For me, I find it incredibly fun to track my children’s milestones. I keep notes on several things such as foods my daughter is eating, things she is allergic to, and dinner ideas. I also keep track of moods, in-depth business information, coffee consumption, or an inspirational quote or picture.

Planning has become a very important part of being a parent. Without a functional planner, I was running in circles with no end in sight and falling into a vicious cycle of disorganization and missed opportunities. I never want to go through that again. Therefore, I will continue to plan and carry my Erin Condren Life Planner everywhere I go.

As a busy parent, what do you use to keep yourself organized? Do you find that a physical planner works better for you? We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on planners, organizational styles, or the struggles you have with staying organized. Please connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, agape, be kind, and happy parenting.

About the author

Sendhy Pamela is a mom, a freelancer, and an aspiring photographer. She has a passion for helping others in any way she can, whether it be a family member in need or a client needing support. She spends most of her days with her kiddos, husband, and fur baby. She is a big believer in waking up early,  as this is her time to relax, drink a hot cup of coffee and plan out her day. If she is not spending time with her family or working, you can find her at the beach reading a good book. She runs entirely on 100% coffee, with her planner stuck to her like it’s an extra limb!