command center for kids
This guide on how to set up a command center for kids will help you create an organized hub that covers chores, school, schedules, and more.
Another Command Center option that you can use in your own home. Keep all the essential things in one place so you never waste time hunting for missing papers again.

Families today are busy. This is true both for small families and for large ones. With so many people coming and going, it can be hard to keep schedules organized.
When my boys were younger, it seemed like we had a practice or game every night of the week. Ensuring we got the right boy to the right place at the right time resembled air traffic control at an airport.
One day, I heard about a home command center, and I knew that was the answer I needed. Not only did it help me to be more organized, but it helped my boys learn responsibility at a young age.
What is a command center in your home?
A command center, also known as a home hub, is a centralized area in a home where you keep the important items needed to keep your home and family running smoothly.
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It is usually located in an area where the entire family will see it multiple times throughout the day such as the front of a refrigerator or a wall in a mudroom.
What goes into a command center?
What you put into a command center all depends on the age and size of your family. From Dr. information to sports and work schedules, what you include will be determined by who lives in your home.

What is the best layout for a kid’s command center?
The best layout is one that is fully visual, such as a large open wall. You will want room for a calendar, clipboards, bulletin board, and even a few shelves to hold papers or homework.
Setting up a Command Center for Kids
The best part of a command center is the flexibility you have when setting one up. Let’s break things down into actionable steps.
Step #1. Choose a Location
The most important part of an efficient command center is ensuring your family sees it daily so they are reminded to utilize it daily. Walk your home and choose an area your family passes by daily. Once is fine, but multiple times is better.
- The front of the fridge
- A wall in a mudroom
- A wall in a hallway
- A table in a kitchen
Step #2. Check the Space
Once you have a location chosen, look to be sure you have enough space. The center of any command center is the calendar, and the size of that calendar will determine how much space you will need overall.
- A large command center will be about 5′ long by 3′ high.
- A medium center will be about 3′ by 2′.
- A small center will be about 2′ by 1′.
These sizes are just approximates to get you started; you can go as large or as small as you need.
Step #3. Lay Out the Components
The calendar is the main focus of a command center, but you’ll want to add other necessary components, such as:
- Bulletin board for important notices or reminders.
- Clipboards for each family member’s schedules, chores, or daily tasks.
- Shelves or hooks for storing papers, keys, and backpacks.
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Once you know what you want to have, you can use tape to mark off each area. This will help you see if the location you chose will have enough space to house things comfortably. The tape will allow you to move things around until you find a layout that works.
Step #4. Put it Together
Start by hanging up the calendar. Keep it at a height so each family member can see and use it. Next, add in the other parts of your layout, such as the clipboards, hanging paper holders, and a bulletin board.
Step #5. Family Meeting
Once the command center is set up, have a family meeting to discuss how it will be used. Assign responsibilities for keeping things updated and organized. This is a great time to talk about any new schedules or routines that may be needed with the addition of the command center.

Remember the goal of your hub, to keep things for the family more organized as well as help your children learn to be more responsible. Ask for their input and listen to their answers. The more involved they are in the setup and layout, the more likely they will be to stick with this new tool.
Additional Tips for Maintaining a Command Center
- Make sure to regularly update and clean out the command center to keep it functional.
- Assign a color to each family member to help everyone easily see their schedule, chores, and paper holders.
- Consider adding a whiteboard or chalkboard for quick notes or messages.
- Use decorative elements, such as frames or baskets, to make the command center visually appealing.
- Remind your children to visit the command center before they leave the home each morning. This will remind them of where they need to be that day and what they need to have or do.
- Also, encourage them to make any updates in the afternoon so you are there to see them and adjust your own schedule if needed.
Creating a command center for kids can make a big difference in managing a busy home. It teaches responsibility and organization giving your kids a great foundation to build on.
By giving each child their designated space within the command center, you encourage independence while ensuring that important tasks and schedules are never overlooked. This can provide a visual way for kids to learn time management and accountability no matter what their age.
With regular updates and family involvement, your command center becomes more than just an organizational tool—it transforms into a central hub of family activity and communication.
More Home Hub Resources:
Get even more tips on how you can streamline a family friendly command center in your home.