For 76% of Germans, family is the most important thing. With or without children - the feeling of not being alone is priceless. But sometimes those days come when the parents-in-law turn up at the door unannounced, the little ones grumble about the food or the husband leaves his dirty laundry everywhere. It's clear that nerves are on edge. The problem: according to a study, a good half of fathers and three quarters of mothers have too high expectations of themselves - and are even more stressed as a result. So we need to take a deep breath! And slow down more in everyday family life.

Family time management: so that everything runs smoothly in the morning!

• Wake the children up on time. Ideally half an hour before they have to get up. Then everyone has enough of a buffer.
• Are the little ones dawdling? A morning clock (40 euros, e.g. at Jako-o) can help, reminding your child when to get up, when to go to the bathroom and when to have breakfast.
• Color system. Whether toothbrushes or towels: so that nothing gets mixed up, each family member gets their own color.
• Everything well prepared. Sports bags, books, documents - school bags or briefcases should be packed the evening before.

Everything is ready! No arguments over food

• Cook large portions. They can be reheated the next day or modified slightly. Boiled potatoes, for example, are a good base for mashed or roast potatoes.
• Make a weekly meal plan. Then you only have to shop on one day.
• The role model trick. "I don't like it!" To make vegetables appealing to children, show them newspaper interviews in which their role models (such as footballers or singers) talk about their healthy eating habits.
• Involve children in everyday family life. Depending on their age, children should help with the cooking. This will also help them to become independent at an early age.

Help, puberty is coming!

• When teenagers rebel. Stay calm and don't take anything personally, even if it hurts. The children are now cutting themselves off.
• Stay in contact. Keep asking questions: What exactly is this party? How are things going at school? Knowing about everyday family life protects you from many a nasty surprise.
• Explain the rules. Just saying what's forbidden? That makes teenagers even more likely to break them. Give plausible reasons for the rules - and insist that they are followed.
• Give them space. Does your child lock themselves in their room and no longer wants to talk? Accept that. But show him again and again: No matter what - I'm there for you when you need me.

Restful nights are priceless

• Fit a motion detector. Preferably with dim lighting. Then nobody gets hurt in the dark - and the others are not disturbed by bright light.
• Read a bedtime story. Even in the age of tablets and smartphones, this is still the best way to fall asleep.
• Sleep in separate rooms. Sounds unromantic, but it's a lifesaver when his snoring gets louder and louder...
• Stick to bedtimes. If everyone, including the parents, has a fixed bedtime in everyday family life, there will be far fewer discussions.

This also helps with the partnership

• Time in the evening. Are the children in bed? Then make time for each other twice a week in the evening to eat and talk together. This strengthens the relationship. And loosens up everyday family life.
• Get him involved in the household. It's best if everyone has their own fixed duties. For example: you do the shopping and he takes care of the garden. Or: He cooks, you do the dishes afterwards.
• Vacation for two. It's a must from time to time - even if it's just a long weekend. The children also feel at home with grandma, friends or at vacation camp.
• Coordinate well. "But dad said I could!" Make agreements on parenting issues as often as possible. Children like to take advantage of disagreements - and you will quickly get into arguments with your partner.

The in-laws are coming to visit

• Get outside! Has everything been cleaned? Is the cooking healthy? If his parents inspect everything carefully, you can move the Sunday get-together to the park or a café.
• Cook together. That way, even the mother-in-law can't criticize anything. Who knows, you might even learn something new.
• Think about emergency topics. And skillfully redirect the conversation to these when problematic discussions arise. Example: previous vacations, childhood memories.
• Look at old photo albums. They're fun for everyone! Grandma, grandpa, parents, children. Take a recent photo of everyone together - and stick it in the album later.

Everyday family life: organization is everything

• Hang up a family planner. Who is doing what and when? A large calendar in the kitchen is a must! Otherwise you'll lose track.
• Clever gift box. Fill a box with little things for children and adults. When a spontaneous visit is due, you'll always have a present to hand.
• Clear rules. No more TV after 9 p.m. and tidy the room on Fridays. Even if they sound stuffy - rules make everyday family life easier!
• Help from next door. Do your neighbors also have small children? Share the childcare. One Saturday it's your turn, one Saturday it's your neighbor's turn. This gives you more time for yourself.

Really enjoy the weekend

• Good entertainment. One thing is worth its weight in gold on long car journeys: plenty to keep the little ones occupied. Take some children's music, books or a Gameboy with you - and you'll have peace and quiet.
• Division of labor. Take turns with your partner: one weekend you look after the children in the morning, the next it's his turn. That way, one of you can always get a good night's sleep.
• Relaxing. Swimming, funfairs, the zoo - activities are important in everyday family life. But you're not obliged to keep them entertained. Time out together also counts, such as a long cuddle in bed in the morning or an extended breakfast in pyjamas.
• Everything is included. Keep a small emergency kit in your handbag and car. That way, nothing will go wrong on trips. The contents: plasters, sanitary wipes, a coloring book...