Who's your ultimate family hero?

As a parent, undertaking those everyday chores can seem like a thankless task. Being a parent is challenging and you're often taken for granted. But it could be that all your hard work is masking an amazing fact: you are, without knowing it, an ultimate family hero.

However, every hero needs a little help once in a while. Here are a few suggestions to help make regular family trips and tasks go even more heroically.

The school run

Getting to school promptly and with minimum embarrassment factor are key requirements for all kids. However, it's also worth considering the school run experience more closely.

Do you listen to your favourite radio station or do you allow the kids to tune the stereo to the latest pop tunes? Better still, maybe you let them play their lastest must-have CD. Either of these things will push you closer to superhero status.

Of course, if you pull up to the school gates and their classmates can hear said CD playing, all the more kudos for your kids.

In purely practical terms, the school run is all about getting organised, getting the kids there on time and getting away swiftly before being caught up in the morning rush.

An ultimate superhero will time the run perfectly, getting bags, equipment and children into the car a mere five minutes before the rush-hour traffic kicks in, hence depositing kids and leaving the scene before the real chaos ensues.

A kids' day out

The school holidays can seem never-ending when you've got bored kids in the house so arranging the ultimate day out is an essential skill.

Think creatively. If you've got younger children, an indoor play area or splash pool is the ideal solution, allowing them time to let off steam while you get stuck into a good book.

Alternatively, and for a cheaper option, take them to the woods or large outdoor space and organise some fun role-playing adventures or simply a game of cricket/football. Or, if they're too cool for such activities, let them run free and make their own fun in the great outdoors.

Whatever you choose, and whatever your budget, the emphasis should be on giving the children an element of autonomy, giving them the impression that it is their day out and not simply another everyday activity organised by mum.

The shopping trip

Unless you've got teenage girls, the chances are shopping will be a tough one to sell to your kids.

However, there are ways to make the experience more enjoyable and, of course, draw you closer to superhero status.

If possible, choose a shopping centre that has facilities for kids - maybe a soft play zone or, for older kids, an internet cafe. Also, make sure the trip isn't just about you dragging them round against their will.

For younger children, add the incentive of a treat for good behaviour - possibly a bar of chocolate or their favourite crisps. Alternatively, and for older children, allow them to browse a shop they're interested in and maybe allow them one small item to take home.

The promise of a favourite DVD when you get home is always a winner - anything to take their minds off the fact they're doing something they probably rather wouldn't and focusing their minds on something positive to come.

Enter to win

Volkswagen is looking for ultimate family heroes to put their ultimate family cars to the test. We'll pick the best three and give each a Touran or Sharan along with a super-duper mission to complete. A public vote will decide who becomes our Ultimate Family Hero and gets to drive off in a brand new Touran or Sharan. They'll also get £5,000 for a community group of their choice. WOW!

For more information visit www.ultimatefamilyhero.co.uk