It’s been a while since I did a post that focuses on planning and organization but if you’re following me on Instagram and Facebook, you know it’s because I’ve struggled with planning after having Blueberry. At the end of March, I discovered Bullet Journaling and yall it’s seriously been the best thing ever for me. I wish I had discovered this system while I was in undergrad or early in my graduate school tenure. I can see how helpful it can be for students.
Since April, I’ve created several different journals for specific parts of my life. There’s my daily bullet journal that tracks things I need to get done and pretty much goes everywhere with me. I also have two larger journals for keeping track of Mamademics and Mamademics Academy. Oh, and I have a special journal dedicated to my love of reading. However, I felt like something was still missing.
After spending way too many hours on YouTube, discovering amazing bullet journalists, I realized there was still one major thing missing for me– the parenting aspect. I haven’t really seen that many spreads geared towards parenting so I decided to create my own.
Full Disclosure: I’m a bit of a stationery junkie, so if you’re trying not to buy things you might not want to keep reading this post. If you’re totally into planning out as much of your life as possible, keep scrolling for the supplies I used to create these spreads, as well as, the explanations for each of them.
This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you purchase the product through my link.
Supplies
A notebook (I used the Thought Space journal to create these spreads. However, I’m also using Scribbles That Matter and Minimalism Art for other projects as well)
Markers – Scribbles That Matter Dual Brush, MildLiners, and Crayola Supertips
Fineliner Pens – Pigma Micron, Pilot Enso Watercolor Pens, and Tombow Mono Drawing Pens
Alright, now that we’ve gotten through the supplies, let’s delve into the five bullet journal spreads parents need.
Health Information Spread
The first bullet journal spread that every parent needs is a Health Information Spread. This spread will allow you to put all the health information you need for your family in one space. How many times have you been on the phone with a doctor’s office and they asked for your insurance information? Well if your family bullet journal is handy, you don’t have to dig through your bag searching for your wallet.
This spread is also helpful if you’re out of town and leaving your children. You won’t have to worry about having to rewrite everything because it’s all in the family bullet journal spread. You can include medication, allergies, and doctor’s appointments all in one space without having to worry about technology failing you that day.
School Information Spread
I don’t know about you but it feels like there are so many things I need to keep up with when it comes to Sesame’s school. I know this will only get more hectic when Blueberry starts school in a few years, so I decided to create a spread that will allow me to put all the important dates that I need to remember in one space.
From school breaks to special events, this bullet journal spread has parents covered. Adding this spread to a family bullet journal also makes it easier to schedule any health appointments your child will need. This way you’re scheduling them during times when your child won’t miss something super important like testing or Field Day.
Reading List Spread
Yall know how important I think reading is for children of all ages. This spread will help you keep track of what books you’ve read with your children. You can even make notes about books you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy reading together. I know I’m not the only parent who sometimes hides a book because I can’t read it one more time.
Play Date Spread
As an introvert parent, I find it really hard to schedule play dates. I’m always flustered trying to pick a place or remembering the names of parents. This bullet journal spread will help me keep track of places we’d like to try, places we loved, and even the contact information for their friends. You could also make a note about each friend’s availability, sensory issues, or any allergies they may have so that you’re considerate when trying to schedule a date.
All About Your Kid Spread
The last bullet journal spread that I think every parent needs is the all about your kid spread. One thing I love about bullet journaling is how you can also keep track of fun memories and moments each day, week, or month.
This spread leaves room for you to paste a picture of your child at the beginning of the year and the end. There’s space to remember those funny moments throughout the year and their favorites. This gives you a space to remember to document memories and it’s always so great to look back on them as our children grow. I like to use my HP Sprocket to print out pictures from Instagram and Facebook to include in my journal.
So, what do you think? Will you use any of these spreads in your bullet journal?
P.S. Here’s a peek at my reading journal…
