Being a mum is a full-time job, and when you add five kids to the mix, life can quickly become a whirlwind of chaos. From school runs to after-school activities, meal planning to household chores, it feels like there’s always something that needs to be done. In the midst of all this, my wall planner has become my lifeline, helping me keep everything on track and saving my sanity.
The Heart of Our Home
My wall planner hangs in the kitchen, the heart of our home, where everyone can see it. With five kids ranging from a teenager to a toddler, our schedules are a complex web of overlapping commitments. The Command Centre gives me a clear overview of the week ahead, so I can manage everyone’s time effectively. It’s not just about knowing who needs to be where and when; it’s about making sure that nothing falls through the cracks.
Keeping Everyone in the Loop
One of the biggest challenges with a large family is communication. It’s easy for details to get lost in the shuffle, especially when you’re juggling school events, appointments, and extracurricular activities. My wall planner is a central hub where everyone can see what’s coming up. My older kids check it daily to know when they have soccer practice or a school project due, and it helps them take responsibility for their own time management.
Meal Planning Made Simple
Feeding five children is no small feat, and meal planning used to be a constant source of stress for me. With my wall planner, I can map out our meals for the week, ensuring I have all the ingredients I need and that we’re eating balanced, nutritious meals. I even get the kids involved in choosing meals, which they love—it makes them feel like they have a say in what’s on the table. Plus, it cuts down on last-minute trips to the supermarket, which, let’s be honest, are the last thing any busy mum needs.
A Sense of Achievement
There’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking things off a list, and my wall planner gives me that sense of achievement every day. Whether it’s completing the school run, making sure homework is done, or just getting through the day with everyone fed and happy, seeing those tasks checked off gives me a little boost of motivation to keep going.
Reducing the Mental Load
As a mum, the mental load is real. There are so many things to remember, and it can be exhausting trying to keep track of it all. My wall planner reduces that mental burden by allowing me to offload some of those tasks onto paper. Instead of keeping everything in my head, I can write it down, knowing that it’s all there in black and white. This frees up mental space for more important things, like spending quality time with my kids.
Teaching the Kids Organisation
One unexpected benefit of using a wall planner is that it’s teaching my kids the importance of organisation. They see how I use the planner to keep everything running smoothly, and they’re starting to pick up those habits themselves. My teenager, in particular, has started using a planner for schoolwork, and it’s made a noticeable difference in how she manages her time.
Finding Time for Myself
With five kids, finding time for myself can feel like an impossible task, but my wall planner helps me carve out those precious moments of self-care. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea after the kids have gone to bed, a walk in the park, or a rare night out with friends, I make sure to schedule in some “me time.” Having it written down on the planner reminds me that it’s just as important as everything else on my to-do list.
Making Memories, Not Just Schedules
While my wall planner is an essential tool for keeping our daily lives on track, it’s also a reminder to make time for the things that matter most. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but having a visual representation of our week helps me balance the necessary tasks with the fun, memory-making moments. Whether it’s a family movie night, a day out at the park, or just some one-on-one time with each of my kids, the wall planner ensures that we’re not just managing time—we’re making the most of it.
Conclusion
Being a mum of five is undoubtedly a challenge, but my wall planner has become an invaluable tool in helping me manage the chaos. It’s more than just a calendar; it’s a way to stay organised, reduce stress, and ensure that everyone in the family is on the same page. For any other busy mums out there, I can’t recommend it enough—having a wall planner might just be the best decision you ever make for your family’s sanity and your own.