Society still expects moms to be the ones handling the bulk of the caregiving, which includes managing all those extracurriculars. If you’re the one who’s already taking care of school events and appointments, signing the kids up for sports or camps might just naturally fall to you too.

In many households, one partner is more likely to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to schedules (whether that’s true or not). So, naturally, they might be seen as the ones to handle those last-minute sign-ups or deadline-driven tasks.

Moms tend to carry a lot of mental load when it comes to organizing everything from doctor appointments to activities. And because of that, we can often end up being the ones who remember those deadlines, do the research, and just... keep it all together.

If you’ve taken on this role early on, it’s easy to become the “default” parent for managing registrations, even if your partner is fully capable. It just becomes part of the routine.

Sometimes, we take on these tasks because we know how to navigate all the forms, websites, and registration processes faster than anyone else. It’s easier just to do it ourselves.

• Discuss Expectations: First things first, have an open conversation with your partner. Make sure you’re both on the same page about who’s doing what. It’s all about finding a balance that works for your family.

• Define Roles: You could divide tasks based on what feels natural—maybe one parent handles sports-related sign-ups while the other takes on arts or camps. Or you can alternate who’s in charge each season. No right or wrong here, as long as it feels fair.

• Centralize Information: Get organized by using a shared calendar (like Google Calendar or Cozi) to keep track of sign-up deadlines and other important dates.

• Notifications Are Your Friend: Set reminders so that both parents get notifications about upcoming sign-ups or payments. It keeps everyone in the loop.

• Store Important Info Together: Create a shared folder (Google Drive works great for this!) where you both have access to forms, receipts, or any other relevant details.

• Alternate Who Does What: Don’t let it always be you. Take turns handling different types of activities—one person can do the sign-ups for sports this time, the other for summer camps next time.

• Divide the Workload: Maybe one person does all the research on options, while the other handles registrations and payments. There’s no shame in dividing things up so it doesn’t all fall to one person.

• Review Progress Together: It’s so helpful to check in with your partner regularly. Make sure you’re both up-to-date on everything that’s coming up, and adjust as needed.

• Be Flexible: Life happens. Sometimes one parent might get busier than the other, and you’ll need to adjust who’s doing what. Flexibility is key!

• Automate Where You Can: Set up auto-renewals or recurring payments for regular activities, so you don’t have to deal with it every time.

• Create a Checklist: Having a standard checklist for all registrations (forms, medical details, fees, etc.) can make everything run so much smoother and save you from missing anything important.

• Work Together: For really important or time-sensitive sign-ups (like summer camps that fill up fast), tackle it together. It’s quicker and way less stressful when you both jump in.

• Support Each Other: Don’t forget to appreciate each other’s efforts. A little gratitude goes a long way in keeping things positive.

• Knowledge Sharing: Make sure both parents are aware of the kids’ interests and the requirements for different activities. If one parent isn’t familiar with how to navigate a certain camp website, the other can walk them through it the first time.

• Skill-Building: If one of you is better with technology or research, help the other parent out and teach them the ropes. It’ll make it easier in the long run.

• Family Planner or Coach: If you’re still struggling to share the responsibility, consider working with a family coach or counselor. Sometimes it just takes a third party to help establish a fair system.