My rule is simple:

If it isn’t on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.

Not because I’m being dramatic.

Because school information arrives from approximately 93 different directions.

Email.

Paper flyer.

Teacher message.

School app.

Calendar.

Kid announcement from the backseat.

If the information affects what my family has to do?

It gets one final home.

The Family Calendar

Put in things like:

Spirit Days

Field trips

Picture Day

Early release

No-school days

Performances

Class parties

Book Fair

Library Day

Projects due

“Bring canned goods Tuesday.”

Include the Details

Don’t make Future You reopen the email.

Instead of:

Book Fair

Try:

Book Fair — Jessica’s class shops Wednesday | eWallet set up

Instead of:

Picture Day

Try:

Picture Day — Jenna | outfit out Tuesday night

The calendar shouldn’t merely remind you that something exists.

It should reduce the thinking required when the day arrives.