Wrangling children, pets and all the other stuff you need is no easy feat for any parent. Timely moms, however, all seem to have a few things in common: They’re organized, they plan ahead and they’re consistent.

The first trick is to organize well ahead of time. Pack backpacks, collect gear and make lunches the night before or a few hours in advance. That way, you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Even run nonperishable items out to the car so when it’s time to leave, you can focus on the kids and not the stuff.

When planning ahead, consider each child’s needs. For example, if you know your daughter takes an hour to get ready, plan to usher her into the bathroom an hour and 15 minutes ahead of time to give you a cushion.  

Also give yourself enough time. If you’re working on another project, force yourself to stop, say, 10 minutes before you normally would -- even if you’re not done. That way, you’ll give yourself a few extra minutes to handle anything unexpected that comes up.

As for consistency, kids thrive in a scheduled, routine setting. The more predictable their day, the more likely you are to get to places on time. Try keeping a family schedule or calendar at their eye level so they know what to expect. Also, each morning, tell them the day’s plan so they won’t feel surprised or dillydally when you say, “Let’s go!”

Your Expert
Amy Robbins, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and mother of two. She has worked with children, adults and families in a variety of clinical settings, primarily community mental health agencies. She currently has a private practice in Chicago.