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Motherhood is a more than a full-time job, it is a lifetime commitment. For moms in the midst of raising children, there is no drive-time, lunch hour, or weekend. Much like a doctor, mom's services are needed twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. To keep up with demand, moms must remember to take time out for themselves to recuperate and recharge. A mom who never takes time a "time-out" will not only lose her sense of sanity, she'll also loose her sense of self; and ultimately she will become very unhappy. And, as the saying goes, "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

Of course, moms face many obstacles when they try to take a time out for themselves. First and foremost, there is guilt. Moms have a tendency to think, "I am so lucky to have these children, why do I want to get away from them?" Moms wonder if their desire to be alone means that they are not "cut out" for motherhood. No mom wants to believe that she isn't up to snuff, and so many women tend to ignore their need for alone time, in the name of being a good mother. The truth is that to be a good mother, women need to take a cue, when feeling overwhelmed, that they need a break. Understanding that Motherhood is an occupation will help alleviate guilt. As with any job, no matter how much you love it, you need time off and time for yourself. Would you want a surgeon who never slept, or who hadn't taken a break in twenty years, to operate on you?

Once mom has convinced herself that she needs some break time, she typically has to convince her partner or spouse as well. Moms just can't walk off the job site. Just remember that your partner is not your boss, but rather your co-worker. You should not be seeking permission, you should simply be explaining that you need to leave to: get your hair done, go for some coffee, or whatever, and that you'll be back in roughly two or three hours, or however long it will take you. Especially if you do most of the housework and child-rearing, your spouse or partner may not like this. It may be hard for your significant other to understand why you need to leave the house. Your significant other may question your happiness and level of contentment with him as well as with the children. Do not be drawn into this discussion. Compare your taking time for yourself to your spouse's attending a seminar or retreat for work. Explain that you need this time for yourself for the betterment of your family. Do not back down from taking the time you need because your spouse

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