Blog Post

Tips for Managing Family Schedules

March 22, 2024

A woman is sitting at a table writing on a white board.

Tips For Managing Family Schedules


These days, any adult conversation contains some sort of utterance of how incredibly busy and chaotic life is at the moment, and although it’s only March, we all need a holiday. Life is madness when you have a busy family, and the only way to truly get on top of it is to keep calm and schedule!


Now, keeping track of everyone’s schedule can also be a mammoth project on its own, so here are 8 simple tips on how to best manage a family schedule.


8 Tips To Manage A Family Schedule


1. Get On The Same page:


It's time for a family discussion about taking responsibility for our schedules. Let's start by making sure younger kids understand their daily tasks and why they are important. For example, if Gabe (8) knows he has a soccer match on Thursday, he should inform Mom about needing new shin pads on Monday, rather than waiting until Thursday morning. By looking ahead and planning together as a family, we can avoid chaos and ensure smooth sailing.


2. Choose a Family Scheduler:


Of course a giant, pin-up calendar or schedule board works, especially for younger kids, where everyone writes what they are doing that week on to the board. But, in this new tech era, there are some wonderful digital options that can keep tech savvy teens and parents on the same ‘screen’.


Look into Google Calendar, Cozi Family Organiser, or the Maple Household Planner (all available on the App Store) for some options. Here everyone has access to the family calendar and can not only input their commitments but can also see what everyone else is doing. This is important for kids to realise that they are PART of a functioning family and not the centre of it.


3. Cover all the bases:


When creating your family calendar, make sure you cover all the long and short-term bases. Consider scheduling the following:


  • Work Meetings
  • School Times – start and closing times each day
  • Extra-curricular activities (practice and matches)
  • Exams, tests and projects
  • Sports trials, auditions, entry exams, etc.
  • Social activities – both adults and kids
  • Payment deadlines – for tours, uniforms, textbooks, holidays, etc.
  • School tours
  • Work trips
  • Birthdays
  • Family fun


4. Colour Code Your Kids:


Let your family members choose their favourite colour and that will be their colour on the schedule. This helps parents when they need information on a specific child. You won’t have to trawl through everyone’s plans, you can simply look for Olivia’s blue or click on the blue calendar and all Olivia’s entries for the week will pop up. This makes it quick and easy for everyone to use.


5. Family Meetings:


It’s important to have family meetings to discuss what is coming up, and for parents to guide the entry process for your children. These meetings should be consistent and non-negotiable and should happen at a time when most of the family is together. Sunday early evening is a good time to meet because it’s the start of the new week. After the meeting, everyone should not only enter their activities onto the calendar, they should also then use the information to pack their school bags and sports equipment for the week.


6. Don’t Forget: 


Set reminders (whether off a hard copy schedule on to your phone or digitally):


  • Set a three-month reminder for long-term entries such as tour payments, holiday bookings, or business seminars.
  • Set monthly reminders for medium-term commitments such as sports trials, board meetings, and big project deadlines.
  • Set weekly reminders for short-term entries such as weekly tests, sports practices, meetings, and parties.
  • And set daily reminders for time-sensitive entries such as bell times and special appointments.


7. Roll With The Punches:


The truth is, no matter how well you schedule, things will always change. Teaching your kids to be flexible and to problem-solve is a valuable life lesson. If something changes on the schedule, your children must change it themselves and must alert the family to the change. If this change causes a time conflict, then solutions must be offered. Managing a change that pops up on a schedule is still much less stressful than not having a schedule at all and getting knocked left, right, and centre by surprises.


8. Have Fun:


Getting the whole family to use the family calendar might be a mission upfront, but if you get it right it will calm the family chaos. If someone forgets to use the calendar don’t rip them to shreds, rather reward those that use the calendar consistently. Also, be sure to plan some fun. Secretly insert ‘family movies’ into the calendar so your children get a nice surprise while diligently doing their weekly planning!



Key things that family scheduling teaches kids:


1.     Communication

2.    Time Management

3.    Planning Skills

4.    Flexibility

5.    Trust (of each other)

March 28, 2025
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing.  Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
Career guidance for grade 9: Student resting against a whiteboard with books
By ADvTECH Group March 19, 2025
Let’s try and make sense of career guidance by giving you some information on how to choose your Grade 10 to 12 subjects. Read on to find some helpful pointers.
A young boy in a plaid shirt is giving a thumbs up.
March 19, 2025
Empower yourself as a parent by learning how to determine your child's personality type. Read more at Crawford International.
By Neo Moshoeu February 27, 2025
Explore how hands-on activities and physical engagement benefit kinesthetic learners, and discover teaching strategies that harness movement to boost comprehension and retention.
February 21, 2025
Learn how warm demanders—teachers who combine firm expectations with genuine care—can foster positive student-teacher relationships, boost academic achievement, and strengthen learners’ resilience in the classroom.
February 14, 2025
Discover how digital literacy shapes modern classrooms by fostering critical thinking, enhancing collaboration, and preparing students for success in our rapidly evolving world.
February 7, 2025
Discover essential insights and practical tips to help you navigate your child’s first year at school, from enrollment steps to building a positive learning environment.
January 31, 2025
A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.
By Neo Moshoeu January 24, 2025
Help your kids navigate social media safely and responsibly. Discover tips to teach them smart habits, digital etiquette, and how to manage online interactions.
January 17, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Crawford International Celebrates the Matric Class of 2024 Crawford International proudly announces the exceptional performance of its Matric Class of 2024. Across all campuses, students collectively achieved 1527 distinctions, with an impressive average of 2.81 distinctions per candidate, reinforcing the school’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.  Crawford Sandton emerged as the top-performing campus, achieving 504 distinctions with an average of 4.27 distinctions per candidate. This success reflects the dedication of students and teachers and the strength of Crawford’s academic programmes. Tracey Purkiss, Principal of Crawford Sandton College, praised the achievements of this year’s matriculants; "the Class of 2024 has demonstrated a true Crawfordian spirit in their approach to their final year. Their achievements reflect their hard work and commitment, and we are incredibly proud of their success. I look forward to the positive contributions they will make as global leaders."
Show More
Share by: