How the Fern Calendar Helps Our Family

Feel Calm & Connected

The very first visual tool I ever made wasn’t meant to be a product. It was just a printed calendar for my son Beckham.

He was nonverbal at the time and asking the same questions on repeat every day: “When do we go to Grandma’s?” “Is the party today?” “How many more sleeps until my birthday?”

He didn’t need me to keep answering—he needed to see it.

So I created a calendar we could put on the fridge with visual cues he understood. That simple shift changed everything.

Why Visual Calendars Work So Well

When kids (especially neurodivergent kids) can see what’s coming, they:

  • Feel more secure and less anxious
  • Stop asking the same questions repeatedly
  • Begin to understand time visually
  • Learn to count down to exciting events—or prepare for changes

And for parents? You stop being the walking, talking calendar.

How We Use the Calendar

We use it all month long, not just for special events.

  • Each kid has a color (wet erase marker or cling system)
  • We mark school days, therapy, trips, family birthdays
  • We do a calendar reset during our Sunday family council

This helps the kids participate in planning and makes them feel more in control of their schedule.

Where We Keep It

In our home, the visual calendar hangs underneath our monthly calendar setup. It’s low enough for the kids to see, reach, and help update—which has made all the difference.

Some families prefer to place it on the fridge, in a hallway, or by a command center. There’s no wrong spot—just make sure it’s visible and part of daily life.

A Flexible Tool That Grows With You

You can:

  • Use only clings to keep it simple for young kids
  • Add notes or checklists with wet erase markers for older kids
  • Track chores, countdowns, custody schedules, or co-parenting plans

💡 Tip: Print photos of big events and use tape or magnets to attach them to the calendar.

Bonus Downloads & Tools

Want to start your own monthly planning routine? We’ve included:

Tag @fernfamilyco to show us how you use yours!

You Don’t Need to Overcomplicate It

One board. A few clings. A quick Sunday reset. That’s it.If you’ve ever had a kid melt down over a surprise change—or wake up at 5am thinking it’s party day—this board can be a game-changer.It was for us.