We all know it: the chaos of a family life where everyone is doing something different, at a different time, in a different place. Sports, school, work, childcare, birthdays, errands, babysitting, and then also time for yourself? It seems impossible to keep track.
Yet it doesn't have to be complicated. With a simple 10-minute family planning a week, you can get a grip on your week. Without complicated apps, without endless to-do lists. Just a clear overview on the wall, which everyone will feast their eyes on as they walk by.
In this guide, we show you exactly how to go about it. Practical, humane and above all: achievable.
Why family planning so often doesn't work
Before we tell you how it does work, first things first: why do so many people drop out after buying a planner or downloading an app?
- Too complicated: apps with 12 functions that you only use 2 of.
- Too much hassle: you have to fill everything in again and again.
- Too personal: only you look into it, no one else feels responsible.
- Not visible: if a planner is lying under a pile of paper somewhere, nobody uses it.
The consequence? Planning stays in your head. And that head gets full. Until you suddenly forget the swimming lesson, your child is at school without a lunch box, or you yourself reappear at work on a study day.
📆 The basics: what is good family planning?
Family planning is more than just writing down agreements. It is a shared system in which all family members can see:
- Who is where when?
- What needs to be arranged?
- When is there time for togetherness or rest?
And it only works if everyone has the see, understands and wish to use. This is why a physical weekly planner on whiteboard works so well: it hangs in a central location, is reusable, clear and does not rely on an app or iPhone battery.
🔎 Preparation: what do you need?
1. A good planner
Preferably a large whiteboard-sized weekly planner (such as The Wallplanner). That accommodates 52 weeks and is easily erasable.
2. Whiteboard pens (in colour)
Choose at least 3-4 colours. Think about:
- Blue = work / parents
- Green = children
- Red = important things
- Black = joint arrangements
3. A central place in the home
For example, in the kitchen, hall or by the dining table. Not in a utility room or attic. Visibility is essential.
4. 10 minutes of undivided attention per week
Schedule this as a set time. Sunday evening is ideal for many families.
⏳ Step by step: family planning in 10 minutes a week
🕒 1. Choose a fixed moment (2 minutes)
Put this moment structurally in your diary. Make it a small ritual: add tea, have a short consultation with your partner, let children join in. The point is to make it a habit becomes.
Example: Sunday night after dinner, or Monday morning at first coffee.
📖 2. Looking back on last week (1 minute)
Review together what went well last week, what was forgotten and whether adjustments are needed.
- Have we forgotten something?
- Were we late somewhere?
- Was there enough room for rest or flexibility?
That way, you learn every week and avoid repeating stressful moments.
📅 3. Write down set appointments (2 minutes)
First, fill in all the appointments that recur every week:
- Working days and hours
- School hours
- Sports clubs / music lessons
- Shopping / household help
- Childcare
For this, use fixed colours and positions in your planner. It doesn't have to be pretty, just clear.
✨ 4. Add one-off appointments (2 minutes)
Think about:
- Parents' evenings
- Play dates
- Dentist / general practitioner
- Visits
- School projects
Let children (if they are old enough) add their own things. The more involvement, the better it works.
🤔 5. Check on double or awkward moments (1 minute)
Do you see bottlenecks? Discuss them right now.
For example:
- You both have to work late on Thursday?
- Two kids at sports club at the same time, but only one car?
- Arranging babysitting or rescheduling something?
🌸 6. Leave space open (1 minute)
Not everything has to be full. Instead, plan in moments of rest, free evenings or spontaneity. A well-planned week is not a full week, but a quiet week in which you can shift.
Example: Leave Saturday afternoon blank for last-minute outings or rest.
📄 Bonus: smart extras for advanced planners
✏️ Add meal plan
Plan meals in the same planner or on a separate strip next to it. This avoids last-minute stress ánd saves grocery budgets.
🏛️ Homework and screen time overview
Use icons or symbols to keep track of when there is homework, screen time rules apply or time for relaxation.
💪 Keeping track of family goals or savings goals
Write a small goal at the bottom of the planner: "Play outside together 2x this week" or "Save 20 euros for our outing".
✨ Why this method works
- ✅ Everyone is watching: the planner is visible and central
- ✅ You forget less: it is in black and white
- ✅ You get peace of mind: you don't have to remember anything
- ✅ You avoid hassles: everyone knows what's going on
This approach works because it light is. No pressure, no perfectionism, just 10 minutes where you look ahead and tune in.
🚀 Ready to get started? Here's what you need
✔️ One large weekly planner (as The Wallplanner)
✔️ A pair of whiteboard markers in different colours
✔️ A central wall or door
✔️ 10 minutes per week
Ready? Then you only need to press 'pause' once a week to experience a whole week's worth of peace and quiet.
🎡 Frequently asked questions about family planning
Do I really need to plan every week?
Yes, but it doesn't have to be big. By looking ahead briefly each week, you avoid surprises. It's like brushing your teeth: if you skip it, you'll notice it later.
What if my partner or children do not participate?
Start small. Hang up the planner, fill it in yourself, let them read along. Involvement often comes naturally when they notice it works.
I'm afraid I won't keep it up. Any tips?
Keep it light. Perfection is not necessary. And remember: you don't have to everything planning. Only what provides peace of mind.
📆 Rest again every week - with a plan that is visible
Planning doesn't have to be hard. With 10 minutes a week, you bring overview, clarity and calm to your family. It requires no great effort, just a little attention at the right time.
Do you also want overview without pressure? Then a physical planner might be just what you need.
✅ Discover The Wallplanner: the reusable whiteboard weekly planner that gives your family overview. No app, no stress, no peace of mind.
