Monthly Calendars: Managing Your Life 30 Days at a Time

By Heather Clark

Quick: you've been put in charge of organizing the carpool for the next month (or study group or sports practice or...). How do you keep it all organized? A monthly calendar may be just what you're looking for!

A monthly calendar can do far more than just list holidays or the birthdays of those close to you. It can also be a very effective tool for helping organize various projects.

Study Groups
Do you or one of your children belong to a regular study group? Distribute a monthly calendar to the study group that lists meeting times and places, as well as topics to be covered.

Carpool Schedule
It's easy to lose track of who's turn it is to drive - and that's where a monthly calendar comes in handy. Simply create the schedule on your monthly calendar at the beginning of the month and then make sure all drivers have a copy of the calendar.

Practice & Treat Schedule
Many sports teams ask parents to sign up to bring treats after a practice or game. Make it easy on everyone by using a monthly calendar to list both the games and practices as well whose turn it is to bring treats. It's a great way to keep everyone organized and make sure the kids aren't disappointed because someone forgot treats.

School Assignments
You can also use a monthly calendar to keep track of when school assignments and projects are due. If you're using it for more than one person, be sure to color code it so it's easy to decipher in a glance. You can also include any upcoming test dates.

Birthdays
Do you like to send birthday cards to extended family and close friends? Create a monthly calendar of birthdays so you can be sure to get those cards out on time!

Bills
A monthly calendar is a great tool for keeping your finances organized. At the beginning of the month, simply enter the due dates for various bills, then post the calendar in a place where it will serve as a reminder to make your payments.

Playdate/Playgroup Schedule
Much like sports practices, regular playdates and playgroups require some organization. Discuss scheduling matters with the other parents involved and then create a handy monthly calendar that lists dates, times and locations for each event. The other parents will definitely thank you!

Exercise Group
Do you meet regularly with a group to exercise? If so, a monthly calendar can help you keep track of where, when and what type of exercise will be involved.

Club Calendar
Clubs can benefit greatly from using a monthly calendar. It's a great tool for keeping track of where meetings will be held, items that will be discussed and what items members need to bring. If you belong to a book club, gardening club, tea club - or any kind of club - a monthly calendar is definitely for you.