Putting one together is easy: Just get any kind of three-ring binder, some dividers and a bunch of plastic sheet protectors. Then just print out a bunch of forms (you can make your own, as I usually do, or find them on the internet) that you can fill in as needed.
What goes in the family binder? Anything you need. Here are some ideas — but you should feel free to customize it as needed:
- Emergency info: Phone numbers for your doctor and pediatrician, emergency numbers for fire and police and hospital and poison control, other important numbers.
- Other Important Contacts: Doctors, Babbysitters,
- Medical Data:
- Important info: Social security numbers for your kids, health insurance info, anything else you need to refer to frequently.
- House Details:
- Car Details:
- Important docs: Birth certificates, marriage license, insurance stuff, shot records, etc.
- Weekly menu: Plan out your weekly dinners for the next week or two/grocery list
- Family calendar: I actually use Gcal, but if you prefer a written calendar that anyone can look at, insert it into the Family Binder. Include car maintenance schedule, doctors appointments,
- Recipes: Your family’s favorites, which makes it easier to make the shopping list once you’ve done the weekly menu.
- Gift ideas: write down ideas for birthdays and Christmas as they come up.
- Computer Passwords/Logins:
- Household Repair Log:
- Wine List:
- Reading/watching lists: books, dvds, cds, other things you want to buy/rent.
- Checklists: any checklists that help you remember things: packing lists, car maintenance schedule, etc.
- Finances: your budget, spending log, bills to pay, etc.
- Chores:
- School stuff: school calendars, newsletters, any other papers that come in.
- Ideas: I print out lists of activities I like to do with the kids, and other idea lists.