Everyone has a calendar, whether on their wall, their computer desktop, or their cell phone. But it’s not everyone that knows how to use these calendars for more than checking today’s date.

It’s time to start checking off the important tasks that autumn brings about – bringing the cold weather clothing out of storage, preparing your yard for winter, getting ready for school, parties, and the beginning of the holiday season.

September 16^th is Working Parent’s Day. Really? Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take any holiday they want to throw at me, but this holiday seems awfully redundant.

By Shayleen Salmond

Growing up, my kids asked me the same questions that yours probably ask. “Mom, how come you get a Mother’s Day, and Dad gets a Father’s Day, but we don’t get a Kids Day?” Enough said. You can stop laughing now.

I feel the same way about “Working Parents Day.” The term working parent is redundant. If you are a parent, you work.

I can’t believe we’re already talking about the new school year. My kids are on a traditional schedule, but we’re only about a month away. If your children are in year-round school, the new school year has already started.

Summer is made for big plans. It’s the time that everyone comes together for family reunions, the season of water parks and roller coasters. It’s summer camp, barbecues, sitting by the pool. But big plans don’t plan themselves – the bigger your plans for this summer, the more you need to plan in advance. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your summer events.

Take an active part in shifting your schedule.  When the final bell rings, you’ll have your kids with you for seven more hours every weekday. Filling that time with productive and educational activities while keeping things fun can be a tall order.

By Nickole Podany

I love having things planned out. Being organized, having routines—it makes life easier. You know where each kid needs to be. What they need to bring. When they need to be there.

Living indoors through the winter months is a lot like being on a sailboat without wind - you wish that you could get moving and change the view. So when spring finally comes, your restless kids sail off in all directions, going to sports events, hangouts with friends, and outdoor activities.

Parenting will take you places, no question about it – moms everywhere end up transporting various family members all over town. And inevitably, things get forgotten or missed while you’re juggling the destinations and required gear in your head. While you can’t remember everything all the time, you can plan ahead to give your brain a break.