As any mom knows, getting out the door with kids (including your husband) can be like rallying the troops at Waterloo. With the holidays upon us, there are friends and family to visit, portraits to take and services to attend. Regardless of the occasion, here are some ideas from Tide® on how to keep your family looking their best — and not lose your mind!

There's nothing sweeter than your children all dressed up: cute, miniature suits, floaty dresses with ribbons and bows. Fancy fabrics and clever details all look great, but getting your kids into these outfits may not be so easy. Read on for tips on how to happily get them up and out...

Pick out outfits the night before. This way, you can check for stains and see if anything needs to be washed, altered or ironed.
 
Keep your kids looking their best. You not only want your kids to look their best this one time, but for many gatherings to come. Help protect colors and preserve the longevity of those new outfits by washing in cold water.

Add an extra 15 minutes per kid when figuring out what time you need to start getting ready. A button-down shirt on a 2-year-old may look darling, but first you have to catch him and hold his flailing legs while you fumble with those tiny buttons. (Of course, there's always bribery.) Just don't underestimate how much time it takes to put on those dress-up duds … and load everyone in the car.
 
Assemble a "clean-up" kit to combat anything from kitty hair to cow licks. Stash a lint brush, travel-size comb or brush, spray bottle of water and baby wipes in a Ziploc bag. Keep this near the door, and give everyone a final once-over on the way out. Throw your kit in your bag (or the backseat of the car). You're set, sane and everyone looks like an angel! Now how they act may be another story ...