When Vicki Ryan from Dallas won a contest for a Family Manager Makeover, she was desperate for help. Vicki and her husband Derek have four children, ages seven to seventeen, and their home was reeling out of control.

"My husband is at his wit's end with the chaos. I'm overwhelmed by laundry, cooking, and scheduling. We often leave the house mad at each other, screaming 'hurry up,' or 'I can't find my _ _ _ _.' Stress over little things is tearing our marriage and family apart."

According to recent survey, Vicki's story is not unique. More than half (51%) of 3,000 married women polled by Woman's Day magazine and AOL said that their biggest marital fights are caused by petty disputes. It doesn't have to be this way.

I listened as Vicki and Derrick voiced their frustrations and shared dreams that had become buried under the clutter and chaos in their home. I suggested some strategies to help them reduce bickering and promote peace. Over the next few weeks they made some simple changes that drastically reduced stress and made home a more pleasant place for everyone.

What Worked for Them Can Work for Any Couple The six strategies I shared with Vicki and Derrick are based on the Family Manager System and are 35 years, one husband, three children and seven houses in the making. Simply put, the Family Manager System applies the strategies of good business to the work of running a home. But don't think it's about creating a corporate atmosphere. It's just that things like working as a family team to combat clutter reduces a lot of family friction; having important records and receipts at your fingertips saves a lot of headaches; and knowing in advance what you're having for dinner -- and who's going to prepare it -- minimizes end-of-the-day frustration.