"The rule of thumb is that everything that does not have to be done in the morning should be done the night before," says Alexandra Mayzler, director of Thinking Caps, a tutoring company in New York City. "Short of sleeping in tomorrow's clothing, kids should pack their backpack, prepare clothing, think about what will need to be done in the morning, and set the alarm clock. Set aside the same slot of time, either right before bed or maybe before reading time, to do the morning prep work."

Ann Dolin, an education specialist in Fairfax, VA and author of Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework, suggests creating a "launch pad," where all school-related stuff — backpack, lunch box, library books, lunch money, permission slips, etc. — is stored and prepped. "A launch pad can be a box, large basket, dishpan or any container big enough to house your child's school items, says Dolin. "Put it in a well-traveled area, preferably near the door your child exits and enters going to and from school."

Get dressed, comb hair, make bed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, put on shoes, grab your backpack — and out the door! A morning routine chart — with images for pre-readers — can keep easily distracted kiddos focused. If you're not arty enough to make a chart, you can buy one, like On Task On Time for Kids, a big timer you can customize with stickers that prompt kids with the next to-do.

"For kids going to sleep at night means they are on their own," says Betsy Brown Braun, child development and behavioral specialist, and author of You're Not The Boss Of Me. "I look at the morning as the oasis after the drought." In other words, kids can be especially needy for Mommy time in the morning, which may not exactly mesh with your desire to rush everyone out the door. Taking a moment first thing to reconnect with a snuggle and a little conversation can go a long way toward quelling attention-getting behavior later. If they start acting up as the morning goes on, see what you can do to re-establish a connection. Maybe getting dressed in Mommy and Daddy's room will be just what he needs to get his pants on.

The biggest hurdle in the race to get out the door? Getting dressed. Braun suggests getting it out of the way first thing, teaching kids to suit up even before they come downstairs for breakfast. The night before, have them lay their clothes out on the floor, crime scene style, to make it fun and easy. Buy clothes that are easy-on and easy-off — think elastic waists and big buttons. And let go of the idea that your kids will head off to school looking like they belong in a catalog. Remember — self-reliance is more important than outfits that match.

Sharon Danzger, a professional organizer in northern New Jersey, suggests buying yourself a bit more time to get ready by empowering kids to fix breakfast for themselves. Save hot breakfasts for the weekend, and instead stick with quick, no-cook options. Have cereal and bowls out where kids can reach them, and keep milk, yogurts, and cheese accessible from the bottom shelves and drawers in the fridge.

Teachers are great at making jobs seem exciting and fun — a trick parents can steal. If you have more than one kid, let them take turns being the morning leader. "This child is in charge of getting certain tasks done and helping motivate everyone to get out the door," says Erin Munroe, a child therapist in the Boston, MA area. "He or she also gets some sort of bonus for being the leader, like picking the radio station."

The right music can give kids the get-up-and-go that they need to plow through the morning routine. "Create a play list of music that your children like and have it last for 10 to 15 minutes, says Grace Brooke, a professional organizer in Santa Rosa, CA. You can even use music like a timer — when the Jonas Brothers song comes on, you should be getting on your shoes!