Another crazy day? We talked to the experts to steal their best tips on how to make family life run a bit more smoothly. Now you — the expert of your own household — can put them to the test. Here's what the pros had to say.

Make mealtimes easier

1. Go to the buffet...at home. Combat the 6pm frenzy and prep some easy supper ideas, suggests Gina Sunderland, a Winnipeg-based dietitian. "Some super kid friendly options are a family pasta or pizza bar," she says. "The night before, cook-up two different pastas and refrigerate. Have on hand jarred pasta sauces, grated cheese, canned mushrooms and if you have time, browned ground beef or cubed, cooked chicken breasts. When everyone arrives home, put your items on the counter and everyone can create their personalized pasta dish, microwave and enjoy." Try this concept for weekend lunches with a sandwich bar (use lean meats, fresh vegetables and wholegrain breads) or at breakfast (lay out an assortment of whole grain breads, fresh dairy such as yogurts and milks, and fruit).

2. Take stock. Fill your pantry shelves and fridge with convenient, prep-free foods that require a few additional ingredients to make a meal.

For the pantry:

• whole grain crackers
• canned salmon and tuna
• un-sweetened canned fruit
• low fat dressings
• low-sodium soup stocks
• oatmeal
• sugar-free low-fat puddings
• canned beans
• salsa

For the fridge:

• low-fat cottage cheese
• low-fat yogurts
• frozen fruits and vegetables
• eggs
• lean meats and frozen chicken breasts

Mix some of these staples in a crock-pot for easy meals. "All your preparation can be done the evening before. Simply take your slow cooker from the fridge and plug-in before you leave for your day of work," says Sunderland.

Try: canned tomatoes, ground chicken, mixed vegetables and beans for chili con carne or soup stock, pieces of chicken breast, little pasta pieces and frozen peas and corn for soup. Find all kinds of cooking with kids recipes here.