Keep family organization in check with these apps

As much as I love to write everything down on pen and paper, let’s face it, there isn’t always a pen around to document and keep track of everything. As I get ready to welcome the birth of my second child, I’m trying to keep the family organized too.

One thing I know that will be with me often is my smartphone because I use it for pictures, email and have even downloaded some feeding apps that will help me keep track of when the baby ate, and last had a messy diaper. This is exciting stuff people!

While I wish I could just concentrate on the round the clock feedings with my newborn; I have a two-year-old, a dog who gets groomed often and a husband. Not to mention my own appointments.

I recently went on a search to find some apps that could help keep me and my family organized in the New Year. Here are a few that I think are worth downloading.

1. Cozi (Free!) – Voted the #1 app for moms by moms

* The Cozi app is free and you can can manage your family calendar by inputting appointments, to-do lists, reminder and more.
* The whole family can access the centralized online calendar. Send appointment reminders by text or email and get an agenda for the upcoming week sent direct to your inbox.
* Plan dinners for the week, store recipes and easily add ingredients to your shopping list.
* Keep memories you don’t want to forget in a journal made especially for busy families.
* The mobile app is available on the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and on Android devices.

2. Chore Hero ($2.00)
* Chore Hero provides a fun way to manage your household’s chores on a weekly basis.
* You can assign a chore to various people on different days or let the app choose the chore and the person.
* Score and reward system
* Easily view today’s chores and preview tomorrow’s chores

Chore Hero app ($2.00)

3. Remember The Milk (Free!)
* Manage tasks from anywhere. This app works with all platforms like iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Google Calendar, web and email.
* It sends email, text, or IM reminders.
* Can share tasks and lists with any contact.
* Search your tasks and notes, and save your favorite searches as Smart Lists.

Remember the Milk (free!)

While I still write on a paper calendar that hangs in our pantry and keep a pocket planner in my handbag, it’s nice to have the option to keep some reminders while on the go.

I also love how these apps can be shared with other household members. It’s a nice way to send to-do note!

How do you keep your family organized?