7 Real-Mom Tips for Actually Using Your Planner 

(Instead of Letting It Collect Dust) 

Let’s be real: we all love the idea of planners—especially the fresh-page feeling, the pretty covers, and the satisfying check! of a to-do list. But somewhere between changing diapers, chasing deadlines, and trying to remember if we already defrosted the chicken (we didn’t), that beautiful planner turns into… another thing collecting dust.

I’ve been there. As a mom of four, juggling school activities, client meetings, printing orders, and the occasional meltdown (mine or the toddler’s, take your pick), I’ve learned that your planner shouldn’t just be cute—it should work for you.

So here are my favorite, tried-and-tested planner tips—straight from a multitasking mom-artist to you:

1. Make It Your Brain Dump, Not a Pinterest Page

Your planner is not a vision board. It doesn’t need to look perfect. Scribble, cross out, draw doodles, write in all caps if you must. Don’t wait until your handwriting looks “Instagram-worthy”—use your planner like a tool, not a display piece.

Bonus: Kids love watching you write. My toddler Athena once added her own 'task'—"Eat snack now." She’s not wrong.

2. Color Coding = Sanity

Assign colors for each family member or area of life. Blue for work stuff, pink for school errands, green for groceries, red for bills (aka the color of pain). Whether you’re using digital or printed, color-coding keeps the chaos from looking like... chaos.

3. Stickers Are Life

And I’m not just saying this because I make them. Planner stickers are your best friend—especially when your brain’s overloaded. A small “Laundry Day” sticker or “You Got This!” note adds charm and helps you remember what day it is. (Which is… what again?)

4. Use a Sunday Setup Ritual

Even just 10–15 minutes every Sunday night can reset your whole week. I light a candle, grab my planner (and maybe a cookie), and jot down schedules, meal plans, and reminders. It’s not fancy. But it’s magic.

5. Digital or Printed? Why Not Both?

Some days I need my printed planner to brain-dump while I wait at school pickup. Other days, I need Google Calendar to ping me when I forget I have a Zoom call in 10 minutes. Hybrid planning is perfectly fine—do what works this season of your life.

6. Give Yourself Grace

Missed a week? Didn’t open your planner for three days? It’s okay. You didn’t fail. The planner is here to help you—not shame you. Start again. Flip the page. Write "Today: Survived." That's a win.

7. Make It Personal

Add doodles. Paste photos. Write down funny things your kids say. Your planner can also be a little scrapbook of your life. I’ve saved grocery lists with love notes from my daughter on the back. It’s all part of the story.

Final Thought:

You don’t need to be super organized to start using a planner—you just need to start. Whether you’re a fellow mom, a creative spirit, or just trying to stay afloat—your planner can be your safe space, your tool, and your cheerleader all in one.

And if you’re looking for cute, functional, not-overwhelming planners (digital or printed), you already know your girl’s got you. 😉

Stay sane, stay soft, and keep on planning—even if you’re doing it with a baby on your hip and peanut butter on your sleeve.

With love + lots of lists,
Chebong 💖