Planner Power: How Kids Can Organize Their Day and Have Fun

Donna Maurer • February 19, 2024

It seems like today’s kids have a lot going on. Between sports, school, and other recreational activities, kids can have a hard time keeping up. Having a say in their schedule can be a powerful tool, and that’s why having a planner can make such a positive impact.


But most think that planners are just for adults. A child using a planner the right way can lead to creativity, helpful expression, and a sense of calmness when schedules get hectic. Let’s talk about all the different benefits and how kids can use planners


Having Fun With It

It’s important for kids to know that a planner should be fun for them. It is as much a way to express themselves as it is a tool. It doesn't have to be taken as seriously as an adult planner, which will keep it fun for kids. Here are a few ways to have fun with it.


A Good Outline

Having a good base or good outline is important for a child to understand the structure of a planner. We will get into the benefits of why structure is important and why without it it can cause more chaos.


Setting up a planner that has a calendar and prompts that spark creativity is the perfect way for kids to get involved without feeling overwhelmed.


Space for Scribbles

Too much structure can lead to a planner feeling bored, so be sure to let kids know they can make their own rules as well. Having tons of space for free drawing and brain mapping leads to ultimate creativity. If you need some inspiration, you can google topics just like adults do. In fact, gym diary ideas is one of many trending searches. 


Making It Personal

Making the plan personal to a child is something special and will keep them engaged. This could be including their favorite superhero on the cover or putting personal quotes on the pages for motivation.


Think about what the planner is for. Is it because the child plays lots of sports or enjoys school? This will allow the child to connect with the planner in a more intentional way. Consider buying a few arts and crafts options and giving them a glue stick. This is the first step for a child to feel connected to their journal. 


Benefits of Planning For Kids

As parents, understanding the benefits for kids and using a planner is amazing. Often these are overlooked as planning can feel like a chore, but not when you do it the right way.


Provides Calmness

Journaling for kids can provide a sense of calmness just like it can for adults. It allows kids to get everything that’s inside their brains out on paper and provides a lot more clarity. When children are able to see their schedule clearly laid out in front of them, it’s easier to comprehend. When it’s all in their head, it can often feel overwhelming.


A great way to lay out a schedule is to use color-coded pens or sticky notes. Color code different types of events so that children can see much more clearly when they have sports or school on certain days and times.


Inspiring Creativity 

Having a planner is a wonderful way for a child to express their creativity. This is especially true when you give them options like color coating as they may be able to arrange their schedule in a way a parent wasn’t able to do. Amazing Connor is intuitive, but children Actually have great intuition about their needs.


It’s also great to dedicate space where they can brain map. This is where they can create goals for themselves or just let out some steam by doodling. Having blank pages is important for a kid's journal.


Necessary Structure

Providing structure and organization to kids' lives is critical to create calmness. The busier a child's schedule gets, the more structure they need being responsible for their own structure can give them a sense of autonomy over what they are doing. This can help with their responsibility and routine.


A Safe Space

In an ideal world, children would go to their parents with all their fears, thoughts, and ideas. But as we know from being kids ourselves, having a safe space is super important privacy as a child gets older is key to feeling safe and respected.


Start Small

With the new task is important to start small. Journaling and planning can feel like more schoolwork to kids if not done correctly. This means overdoing it or doing it too long. It can be great to start with a prompt today or a set time to think about the week ahead.


trying out different methods and prompts will be a great way to explore planning for the first time. Not all journals or planners are a one-size-fits-all which is why making it personal is key.

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