Best Mom Planner

The Ultimate Busy Mom Planner

Hey there, busy parents! If you’re juggling kids, work, and a never-ending to-do list, you know how chaotic life can get. That’s where a mom planner comes in handy! Whether you’re looking to manage schedules, meal plans, or important appointments, the right planner will be your new best friend!

Before I became a mom, I was an anti-planner. I was seriously allergic to planning. But when I had kids I quickly got a rude awakening, shall we say. Between running to the grocery store every day due to planning meals last-minute, to never feeling like I could tackle my to do list, and so much more. One day I was at a mom friend’s house and I saw she had a monthly meal planner posted on her wall. I told her I was stealing her idea, and I made a monthly meal planner.

Fast forward months later, and I made many additional home planning templates on topics like cleaning, budgeting, vacation & party planning, chore charts, babysitter and pet sitter checklists, holiday checklists, and the list goes on!

As you can see from the image above, I just sort of ran with it! I created over 100 pages of printables aimed to help busy moms streamline their home and family routines. Keep reading to learn about what should be included in a mom planner and how to best use it:

What should be included in a family planner?

1. Monthly Calendar

• Appointments/Meetings: Doctors, dentists, or any other essential appointments.
• Birthdays/Anniversaries: Mark all special dates.
• School Events: Parent-teacher conferences, school performances, or sports games.
• Work Schedules: For parents and older kids who have jobs.
• Social Events: Parties, gatherings, or family outings.

2. Weekly/Daily Planner

• Chores: Daily and weekly chores for each family member.
• Meal Plan: What’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
• Activities/Classes: After-school activities, sports practice, lessons, homework assignments
• To-Do Lists: Personal or family to-do lists for daily or weekly tasks.
• Reminders: Important reminders like project deadlines or bill payments.

3. Budget/Expense Tracker

• Track family expenses, bills, and savings goals.
• Include sections for groceries, utilities, leisure, etc.

4. Meal Planner

• Weekly or monthly meal plan for the entire family.
• Grocery list section to easily note down needed items.

5. Cleaning Checklist

Use a pre-made daily, weekly, monthly, & yearly cleaning checklist, or create your own with a blank checklist!

6. Family Chore Chart

• Assign chores to family members by day or week.
• Include incentives or rewards to encourage completion.

7. Contact Information

• Emergency contacts (doctors, babysitters, neighbors).
• School contacts and family members’ work numbers.

8. Medical Information

• Allergies, medications, or important medical details for each family member.

9. Goals & Habits Tracker

• Family or individual goals (e.g., fitness, schoolwork, personal development).
• Habit tracking section for tasks like exercise or reading.

10. Holiday/Party Planning

• Sections for planning holidays, birthdays, or other family gatherings.
• Checklist for tasks, invitations, and shopping lists.

11. Vacation Planning

• Vacation destination wish list, packing lists, and daily vacation itinerary.

Check out my latest video:

Comment “budget” on this post and I’ll send you my monthly budget template (pictured below) for free – absolutely no strings!

How do I organize my planner?

1. Choose the Right Format

• Physical Planner: If you enjoy writing things down and crossing them off, a physical planner with sections for daily, weekly, and monthly planning may suit you.
• Digital Planner: If you prefer convenience and syncing across devices, digital options like Google Calendar or a planning app could be ideal.

2. Categorize Sections

To make your planner easy to navigate, divide it into different sections based on your life priorities:

• Daily Overview: This should be the heart of the planner, showing tasks, appointments, and priorities for each day.
• Weekly/Monthly Layout: Overviews of each week or month help you spot big events, deadlines, and recurring tasks.
• Meal Planning: Having a dedicated section for planning meals can help with grocery shopping and prep.
• Chores & Household Tasks: A section to keep track of household duties, maintenance schedules, and cleaning routines.
• Kids’ Activities: Track school events, extracurricular activities, and doctor appointments in a separate section.
• Self-Care & Personal Goals: Include a space to plan your own goals, workouts, and “me time.”
• Budget & Finances: A section for bills, expenses, savings goals, and monthly budgets.
• Important Contacts: List emergency contacts, school numbers, doctors, and babysitters for easy access.

3. Create a Task Prioritization System

• Top 3 Priorities for the Day: Choose three things you must accomplish to feel successful.
• Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks to different categories like family, work, and personal time.
• Routine Tasks vs. Flexible Tasks: Separate fixed tasks (e.g., school drop-offs) from flexible ones (e.g., laundry, grocery shopping).

4. Incorporate Color-Coding

• Assign different colors to different categories, such as:
  • Blue for family-related activities
  • Red for work tasks
  • Green for self-care or personal goals
  • Yellow for household chores This makes it easier to identify what’s on your plate at a glance.

5. Use Reminders and Stickers

• Reminders: Set alarms or reminders for important events, deadlines, or tasks (especially in digital planners).
• Stickers & Motivational Quotes: If using a physical planner, include fun stickers or motivational quotes to keep you inspired.

6. Reflect & Adjust

• At the end of each week or month, reflect on how well you followed your plans. Adjust your routine to make it more manageable, or add new priorities as they arise.

7. Include a Family Communication Section

• Keep a space where you can jot down family meetings, things to discuss with your partner, or notes related to your kids’ school.

8. Leave Room for Flexibility

Life with kids can be unpredictable. Leave some blank space for last-minute tasks or changes to the schedule, so you don’t feel overwhelmed when things pop up.

How do moms stay organized?

1. Create and Stick to Routines

• Morning and Evening Routines: Establish predictable routines to start and end the day, including time for self-care, breakfast, and prepping for the next day. This reduces decision fatigue and sets a calm tone.
• Meal Planning: Plan meals for the week ahead, make grocery lists, and do batch cooking or meal prep to avoid daily stress over meals.

2. Use Planners and Calendars

• Daily Planner: Many moms use a physical or digital planner to track appointments, kids’ activities, meal planning, and personal tasks.
• Shared Family Calendar: A digital calendar (like Google Calendar) synced with other family members can help everyone stay on the same page with events, school functions, and deadlines.
• Weekly Planning: At the start of each week, moms often map out key tasks, events, and errands, so the week feels more manageable.

3. Prioritize Tasks

• Top 3 Daily Priorities: Focus on three must-do tasks each day, whether it’s work-related, family-oriented, or household chores. This keeps the to-do list from becoming overwhelming.
• Use a Task Management System: Some moms use apps like Trello, Todoist, or Asana to break tasks into manageable steps and organize them by priority.

4. Delegate and Ask for Help

• Delegating to Family Members: Moms often assign age-appropriate chores to children (e.g., making their bed, tidying toys) and involve their partner in household tasks.
• Outsource Where Possible: If the budget allows, outsourcing things like cleaning, meal delivery, or grocery shopping can save time and reduce stress.

5. Time Blocking

• Dedicated Time for Each Task: Moms often use time-blocking to designate specific hours for tasks like work, family time, meal prep, or personal care. This helps avoid multitasking and keeps things efficient.
• Buffer Time: Including some flexibility in the schedule helps manage unexpected situations, like kids getting sick or last-minute errands.

6. Prepare Ahead of Time

• Nighttime Prep: Many moms prepare for the next day in the evening by laying out clothes, packing lunches, and reviewing the next day’s schedule.
• Batch Tasks: Grouping similar tasks together—such as responding to emails or doing laundry—helps moms streamline their to-do list.

7. Declutter and Simplify

• Minimalist Mindset: Keeping the home clutter-free and simplifying household items (like toys, clothes, or kitchenware) helps moms stay organized. Decluttering regularly makes it easier to keep track of things.
• Organize Spaces: Having designated places for things like backpacks, shoes, mail, and kids’ toys reduces time spent searching for items.

8. Set Realistic Expectations

• Accept Imperfection: Understanding that not everything will go as planned, and it’s okay to adjust goals, helps moms avoid burnout.
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Recognizing accomplishments, even if small, keeps motivation high.

9. Incorporate Self-Care

• Schedule Personal Time: Moms who prioritize self-care—whether it’s a workout, reading, or socializing—are often better able to manage stress and stay organized in other areas.
• Mental Health Breaks: Incorporating moments to breathe, meditate, or practice mindfulness helps maintain emotional balance.

10. Use Checklists

• Daily/Weekly Checklists: Simple checklists, whether on paper or in an app, help ensure nothing is forgotten. These can include grocery lists, to-dos, and cleaning tasks.
• Family Checklists: Kids can have their own checklists for chores, schoolwork, or extracurriculars, teaching them responsibility and easing the burden on moms.

11. Say “No” When Necessary

• Avoid Overcommitting: Moms stay organized by learning to say “no” to activities or commitments that don’t align with family priorities or personal well-being.
• Protect Family Time: Scheduling downtime or family activities and guarding that time against outside obligations helps maintain balance.

How do I become an organized mom and wife?

1. Set Priorities as a Family

• Family Goals: Set short- and long-term goals as a family, including family activities, household projects, and personal development for each member. Discuss what’s important and align on priorities.
• Time Together: Prioritize time with your spouse by scheduling regular date nights or alone time, even if it’s at home. For family, create quality time with shared activities like family dinners, outings, or game nights.

2. Create Shared Routines

• Morning and Evening Routines: Establish routines that help everyone get through the day smoothly, such as prepping the night before for school or work, having a consistent wake-up time, and ensuring meals are planned.
• Family and Couple Rituals: Set aside specific rituals for family bonding (e.g., movie night) and couple time (e.g., a weekly check-in conversation with your spouse to talk about plans, concerns, or even just how you’re feeling).

3. Delegate Responsibilities

• Share the Load: Work with your spouse to divide household tasks. Whether it’s managing bills, cooking, or helping with kids’ schoolwork, dividing responsibilities helps prevent burnout.
• Involve the Kids: Assign age-appropriate chores to your children, so they contribute to the household too. It helps you stay organized and teaches them responsibility.

4. Use a Family Planner

• Centralized Calendar: Keep a family calendar, either on paper or digitally, where everyone’s activities and appointments are listed. This can help you and your spouse track each other’s commitments and the kids’ schedules.
• Weekly Planning Session: At the start of the week, sit down with your spouse to go over the calendar, plan meals, and review upcoming tasks. This helps everyone stay on the same page.

5. Plan for Couple Time

• Scheduled Date Nights: Put couple time on the calendar to avoid getting lost in the day-to-day grind. Whether it’s a full evening out or a simple coffee chat, regular time together strengthens your connection.
• Surprise Gestures: Small gestures, like leaving notes for each other, cooking a favorite meal, or surprising your spouse with something thoughtful, help nurture your relationship.

6. Organize Your Space

• Declutter Regularly: Keep your home organized by decluttering often. A clutter-free space reduces stress and makes it easier to manage daily tasks.
• Create Systems for Common Areas: Organize high-traffic areas (like the kitchen, living room, or kids’ play areas) with bins, labels, or designated spots for essentials. This helps everyone find things quickly and keeps the house tidy.

7. Meal Plan and Prep Together

• Involve the Family: Get your spouse and kids involved in meal planning and prep. This reduces the burden on one person and makes meals a collaborative effort.
• Batch Cook: Prepare meals in bulk on weekends to save time during the week. This gives you more flexibility to focus on other tasks or spend time with your family and spouse.

8. Maintain Open Communication

• Daily Check-Ins: Make a habit of checking in with your spouse every day, even if just for a few minutes. This helps you stay connected and ensure you’re both on the same page with plans and responsibilities.
• Discuss Household and Family Needs: Talk openly about what needs to be done around the house and how you can support each other. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, communicate that too, so you can share the workload.

9. Schedule Time for Yourself

• Self-Care Time: Don’t neglect your own well-being. Schedule regular time for self-care, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or quiet time to recharge. This helps you stay balanced and reduces stress.
• Set Boundaries: Let your family know when you need time for yourself, and be clear about respecting each other’s personal space and needs.

10. Be Flexible and Adjust When Needed

• Adapt to Changing Schedules: Life with kids and a partner can be unpredictable. Be ready to adjust plans when things don’t go as expected, and have some flexibility built into your routine.
• Let Go of Perfection: Understand that it’s okay if not everything goes perfectly. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and celebrate the small wins along the way.

Why should I use a mom planner printable?

1. Tactile Experience

• Writing by Hand: Physically writing things down can help with memory retention and give a sense of accomplishment when crossing tasks off your list.
• Creative Expression: Many moms enjoy the creativity that comes with using different colors, stickers, and designs in their printable planners. It’s a fun, customizable way to express yourself while organizing.

2. Fewer Distractions

• Less Screen Time: Using a printable planner reduces screen time, which can be a priority for moms trying to minimize digital distractions and avoid multitasking while planning.
• No Notifications: Unlike digital devices that constantly ping with notifications, a printable planner offers a focused, distraction-free space for organizing thoughts and tasks.

3. Customizability

• Personal Touch: Printable planners often offer more flexibility in design. You can choose layouts that suit your needs, add extra pages for specific tasks (like meal planning or budgeting), and even rearrange sections to fit your preferences.
• Creative Planning: You can decorate or customize your printable planner with stickers, doodles, or handwritten notes, making it unique to your family’s schedule and your personal style.

4. Enhanced Focus and Routine Building

• Daily Focus: Using a printable planner forces you to focus on what’s in front of you without jumping between apps. It helps to create intentional planning habits, especially when incorporated into a daily routine like morning coffee or evening reflection.
• Routine Creation: Having a physical planner in a dedicated space (like your desk or kitchen) makes it easier to stick to your planning routine without getting distracted by emails or social media.

5. Family Accessibility

• Visible for Everyone: A physical, printable planner can be left open on the kitchen counter or a family command center where everyone can see it. This makes it easier for your spouse or kids to glance at schedules or add notes, unlike a digital planner that may require them to check a device.
• Encourages Family Involvement: Because it’s more visible, your family might be more inclined to engage with the planner. You can even print blank pages for kids to fill in their own chores or activities.

6. No Technical Issues

• Always Accessible: A printable planner doesn’t rely on battery life, internet access, or syncing between devices. It’s always ready when you need it, without the fear of losing data or dealing with software glitches.
• Low-Tech Simplicity: If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, or if you prefer a simpler approach to organization, a printable planner provides a straightforward, hassle-free method for tracking tasks.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, using a mom planner is the easiest and quickest way to simplify and organize your home and family routines. With everything in one place, you can reclaim your time and truly enjoy being at home with your loved ones. Ready to take the first step towards a more organized life?