IF you know what it is to be hungry, but you take the time to feed your children, husband, the neighbor’s children, and the cat before you sit down to eat, you must be a mom.

If you have ever been tired, but you stayed up anyway to wash, dry, and iron your child’s favorite shirt for the next day, you must be a mom.

If you have ever sat down with the last bit of a tasty treat only to have your children run in, drool over it, and beg you for it before you smile and give the rest to them, you must be a mom.

Moms do so much for so many. So often moms, put themselves on the back burner. Sacrifice is our middle name. I always joke that Moms can never get sick because even when they are sick, they must keep on going to keep the house running smoothly. Alhamdulilah, as Moms, our reward is with Allah. We keep on going and going like the Energizer bunny. We rarely stop. Even when we are sleeping, we sleep with one eye open and one ear listening for a child who needs us in the night. This is the hardest job ever. Allah has designed us to feel immense love for our children. Without such a great amount of love, many of us would not be able to do our job fully. To become a mom is to realize a new degree of selflessness.

We stay awake when our babies need us, rocking nursing, consoling these tiny people who are so dependent. As these babies grow, they become more independent, yet their need for us is always present. From tending to your pre-schooler’s boo-boo, to helping your middle schooler with homework, to reviewing your college bound senior’s essay, we are there.

Even in the traditions of Islam, we see that the role of the mother is taken seriously. Allah says in the Qur’an, (translated):

“We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth." (46:15)

Additionally, a famous hadith directs us to who is most deserving of our companionship.

A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your father. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Mom is always available. When does Mom get to recharge? My husband often tells me, “You are not Superwoman.” I laugh with him, but in my mind I must believe he is utterly wrong. Why else would I take no breaks? Why do we run ourselves ragged, Moms? We love our family. We love our husbands and children. They need us. They need us to be present both in body and mind. Don’t we deserve to recharge? YES, WE DO!

It is super important for Moms to take some “me-time” to recharge her batteries. It may be five minutes. It may be half of the day. Whichever, however Moms, it’s time to take some time for yourself. Taking some “me-time” can make you feel better physically, emotionally and mentally. You will be happier and have more patience that is so necessary for doing this job well. You will enjoy your role more. Additionally it teaches your children that everyone needs a rest.

I’m sure you’ve been there before. Your baby is crying, your toddler just had an accident, and your pre-schooler is upset because a favorite toy is missing. It reminds me of that old commercial when the mom is obviously in need of some quiet moments. “Calgon, take me away!” shouted the anxious adult. She is then sitting in a warm, soothing bubble bath, relaxing quietly, alone. She is recharging her batteries. She knows that as soon as she leaves that bathroom, she’ll be on duty again. I have said it, before. I have wished for an instant bathtub with a locked door. Sadly, it has never appeared.

It is clear that a mom’s role is great. She puts her all into taking care of her loved ones. Why else would she be given such an honor as being mentioned in the Qur’an? With this great honor comes great responsibility. As all Moms know. However, remember that responsibility is also for self. So Moms, take some time to take care of yourself. And make it a habit. Daily, weekly, monthly.

Start with 10 minutes a day if that is all you can spare. Take a long shower or warm bubble bath. Read a book. Take a cat nap. Take a walk, alone or with a friend. Make a phone call purely for pleasure. Try to take 10 minutes a day for yourself.

Once a week, give yourself an hour. Once a month, give yourself half a day where you don’t clean dishes, don’t cook. Ask your husband to keep your children busy and then LET HIM. Don’t worry about them. They will be fine. He won’t do things the way you do, but they will figure it out. You deserve this, Mom. You need this. Maybe if you are fortunate, your husband will take your children out for some time or even overnight. I had a friend whose husband took her two children away for the weekend to visit his parents. She stayed in, didn’t talk on the phone, and ate off paper plates. She just relaxed and charged her batteries. When her family came home, she greeted them with open arms and was ready to get back to work.

Moms, none of us is Superwoman. We can’t go on forever and never take a moment’s break. We are only human. Promise yourself and your family that you will indeed take care of yourself, so that you can be the best You that you can be.