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Scott and Alicia Wood work together to benefit their daughters.

It's a school and workday morning at the Wood house.

Scott Wood is heading to his investment firm for a day of work. Wife Alicia will get the girls to school.

They'll all reconvene some 11 hours later, after fighting scores of battles.

Shifting gears—switching out the work hat for spousal and parental hat—is something that takes discipline and focus. "A lot of times, driving home, I shift gears and prepare for when I walk in the back door," Scott said.

The Woods begin their evening with a simple meal. "We just decided family dinner is something we'd commit to from the beginning," Alicia said.

Oftentimes, however, that commitment gets forgotten in the rush of trying to win that next deal, to get that next promotion.

Scott Wood said some professionals may justify a degree of selfishness by saying, "It's for work."

"Work for men and women can be a selfish pursuit when taken to an extreme," he said, adding that balance is the key.

Scott Wood has decided to be with his kids in the evenings, and has arranged to do his workouts at lunch. "It restores energy," he said. "When I get home now, I'm not nearly as tired and exhausted."

Author and family specialist Brad Schwall says however you manage to get it done, prioritize and cut out of your life what's not crucial—especially when the kids are young.

"Just say 'no,'" Schall suggests. "You may have to say 'no' to extra commitments."

Schwall also says that if your spouse seems work-obsessed, start with conversation that isn't accusatory. That technique has worked for the Woods.

"We have to pow-wow every three to six months to discuss what's going on at home, what's going on at work," Alicia said.

The Woods say their success comes from the decision to be on the same team—no matter what.

So if you see a happy family and wonder how they make it work, understand it's likely taking plenty of effort.

The experts tell us that the best parents and professionals are typically people who have balance and a rock-solid commitment to teamwork with their spouse.

Watch News 8 Daybreak Tuesday morning to learn how to keep your kids from ruling the roost.

E-mail jfarmer@wfaa.com