Full disclosure: For better or for worse, I am one of those stepmoms who feels like she “keeps everyone organized.”
I do everything in my power to keep everything within my control organized, efficient, and most importantly, enjoyable. Working two jobs, as a full-time PhD student, having two kids at home half of the time, a husband with an unconventional work schedule (who is also in school full-time), and a very needy puppy, it’s important for my sanity that I do what I can to stay on top of things at home.
Co-parenting can be stressful in a lot of ways, but oftentimes the most stressful part of co-parenting is the disorganization. Whether it’s caused by a lack of communication, a difference in parenting styles, or otherwise, I know firsthand that I’ll take all of the help in the co-parenting department I can get.
I’ve been on a quest to find the best co-parenting products and today, I’m sharing my favorites with you! Whether it’s to help with organization, communication, or just plain sanity-saving, you can’t go wrong with these co-parenting tools!
15 Co-Parenting Items on Amazon to Make Your Life Easier
Organization
Dry Erase Calendar for Fridge – Large Magnetic Chalkboard
Maintaining a dry erase calendar in a central location is a great way to keep track of the many obligations your blended family has. I love the use of neon colors on this one!
Message Center Bulletin Board
A message center is a great place to pin up important documents that need your attention, appointment reminders, save the dates, and also to leave words of affirmation for your husband or kids!
Secrets of an Organized Mom
This room-by-room guide empowers you with the tools needed to declutter your home and live an organized life, despite all of the chaos your family creates.
Honey-Do! To-Do Note Pad
Writing things down and crossing them off of your to-do list is so satisfying! This notepad is an effective way to give your husband, your kids, and even yourself your daily and weekly goals to accomplish, and minimizes the chances of things falling through the cracks.
Weekly Board Magnetic Refrigerator Chalkboard
Planning meals ahead of time can be a real time and money saver! This chalkboard weekly menu allows you to map out who will be home on what evenings, create your grocery list, and execute dinner each night effortlessly (okay, effort is still required to cook the meals…).
Communication
Epson Perfection V39 Color Photo & Document Scanner
This scanner is a co-parenting dream, allowing you to easily scan and email important school or medical documents to the other home, hassle-free!
Father & Daughter Journal
While your stepdaughter is away, let your husband write her special notes to discover when she returns! What an amazing way to maintain communication and strengthen their special bond. This journal comes in other varieties (Mom & Son, Dad & Son, etc.) as well.
Daddy’s Home
For the older stepchild, this hilarious movie can be a great way to de-stress as a family, and open up the conversation about stepfamily life. Rated PG-13.
Shaped by Our Past Thumball Communication Game
Is there someone in your co-parenting dynamic who you can’t seem to get through to? Try using this conversation starter at your next meet-up. This can be a great way to get to know your in-laws!
Mindfulness Therapy Games
Having trouble getting through to your kids or teens? These play therapy cards are a great tool to provoke intentional conversations in a non-aggressive way.
Sanity Saving
BSIMB M12 Digital Picture Frame
When your kids are at their other home, having a mix of new and old photos on display is so good for the soul! Easily edit the pictures that appear on this picture frame, and feel like your kids are always with you.
LETSCOM Fitness Tracker
In the most stressful of co-parenting times, keeping track of your fitness and heart rate is crucial! This affordable fitness tracker comes in both adult and kid sizes, so snag them for the whole family!
Host Wine Freeze Cooling Cups
Let’s be real… a little wine is often the best sanity saver out there! These cute double-lined tumblers with a grip are perfect for when you’re de-stressing in the hot tub, on the front porch, or in bed!
TheraFlow Foot Massager Roller
Take this to the office with you and use it when that co-parenting email comes through that immediately gets under your skin. Breath in, breath out!
The Gratitude Journal for Women
Journaling can be the biggest sanity saver of all time. Take five minutes a day to reflect on the what you are thankful for in this gratitude journal. I promise, there is often more to be thankful for than we realize!

Co-parenting Requires Hard Work
Co-parenting requires hard work, but it’s so worth it. Focus on yourself, your family within your home, and the things that are within your control. Recognize and celebrate small glimpses of progress, and don’t get upset when things seem to go backwards.
You can enjoy the roller coaster of co-parenting as long as you put your mind to it. Take care of yourself, Mama!

P.S. Can’t bear the thought of co-parenting because your stepchild’s mom gives you all the anxious feels?! Here’s my best advice for how to see her without breaking a sweat. You’ve got this!