Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/970851
28 Hudson Valley Parent n May 2018 jam-packed agenda, agrees and suggests, "Have a visible schedule. I had a dry erase calendar on my kitchen wall so that everyone knew what was going on. Don't forget to keep it updated." While some of us live off our calendars, others find it hard to get into the habit. "I tried the calendar on my phone and it didn't work so well," says Claudia Ramos, a Hopewell Junction mom of three who works full time. "My Notes app is awesome and I use it all the time to keep lists of groceries, things to do, appointments, or little reminders, like 'You got this girl!' I also pay bills and buy most of my things online to save time." Make meal time a breeze Planning meals ahead can be a life- saving tool throughout a hectic week. "The best thing I could've done for myself is make a weekly dinner menu," says Traver. "I shop for the week with just the items I need and I don't have to think about what to make that night. I save time and By MICHELLE PETERSON A s all busy moms know, our schedules have the ability to drive us insane! With a never- ending line up of sporting events, appointments and more, keeping a family balanced can sometimes seem next to impossible. Luckily, veteran moms have discovered a few tricks along the way to help tame the madness when your schedule is overflowing! Keep yourself organized Incorporating tools to help organize your tasks and events is an excellent place to start getting ahold of your schedule. "We use many tools to stay organized," says Rebecca Lang, a working Saugerties mom of three. "I have a shared digital calendar that my husband and I both use. I also have a wall calendar that I use." Lori Traver, a High Falls mom who is all too familiar with a money because I am less inclined to buy something I don't really need and I'm not frantically trying to figure out what to make." Lang seconds the convenience of weekly meal planning, and says it is one of the best resources for moms seeking structure in their week. "I make tons of lists, meal plan for weeks at a time and stock my freezer with meals," says Lang. Reach out for help No matter how hard we try to be Wonder Woman, sometimes a helping hand is all it takes to keep a healthy balance. Lang says, "It really does take a village and I am blessed to have that." "My parents and my sister are truly a blessing for me," says Ramos when recalling her most significant supports. "They are there for me whenever I need them." When it comes to seeking advice on how to survive a busy week as a mom, remember the experts are other moms! Overwhelmed by a hectic schedule? Tips from busy moms on how to balance it all