Partner up for a smoother family routine.

Use your skills.
Play to both of your strengths. While you might be the one who can coax the kids to brush teeth and dress, your partner may be a good time manager who’s better able to keep the a.m. activity roster on course.

Plan ahead.
Before the kids are awake, have a quick parental powwow to divvy up the doings. Assign chores based on specific morning needs, and work in tandem to keep the plan going as best you can.

Show a united front.
The kids may turn to you with requests—your son wants to wear his Happy Feet 2 pj’s to school, your daughter is begging for an afterschool playdate—but keep hubby in the loop so they know you’re both in charge.

Source: Bette Freedson, clinical social worker in Boston