The first thing I hear when my youngest gets in the car after school is, "What are we doing tonight." Without fail!

Kids want to know what's happening. They equally want to be as prepared as the parents. Not every child under the age of 13 (and not even then) are trained in having events in their phones or written in a planner.

One simple tool keeps my household streamlined. A frame! (Ours is a plastic standing frame. You can get super fancy if you want to. Check Pinterest. They have some great ideas.)

With an erasable marker I give the kids a visual of what to expect.

Today is:
Friday
After school:
Snacks are: apples, carrots, popcorn, and milk
Tony has choir practice, Garrett and Stanley have hockey at 5pm, Nick has hockey at 5:30pm, Jack has a playdate until 5pm

Dinner:

at 7pm
Spaghetti with meatballs
Salad
Garlic Bread
Green Beans
Homework starts at 7:30
Chores Today Are:
Tony~Dishwasher, Nick~Trash and Recycle, Garrett~Bathroom, Stanley~Clear the table, Jack~Vacuum

It's super easy and the kids do what is on that list. They have come to expect the list and will change it for me if I'm behind. Knowing what is coming is half the battle. If only everything in our lives had a list.

Bernadette Marie is the mother of 5 sons (10,11,11,15,17), a bestselling author, publisher, speaker, event planner, blogger, CEO of 2 companies, and a 2nd degree blackbelt. Often asked how she manages her business and a family of seven, she offers up her advice on home, school, travel, and so much more. Her philosophy is that parenthood is never perfect, but the bumps along the way are what make the best memories.