My parents raised 5 kids without losing their minds. They had a system for everything, from dinner to Christmas presents.

The author (not pictured) was the youngest of five siblings Liderina/Getty Images

I grew up as the youngest of five kids, and our parents relied on strict routines to manage us all.

We each had assigned days for chores, cooking, walking the dog, and even sitting in the front seat.

I used to resent all the rules, but now I appreciate the teamwork and patience they taught me.

The ringing bell had the same effect as a break horn blowing in an industrial factory . Doors would slowly open along the corridor, and disheveled bodies stumbled out. At our house, 6:30 p.m. was dinner time. I can't remember when the bell was introduced, but it proved the…

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