How do a mom's needs get on the priority list?

Moms are always at the bottom of the priority list. I understand that. Most of the time I embrace it.

But lately I’ve been feeling that I’m not just at the bottom of the list, I’m not even on it. There’s always something more important and more pressing that comes before a mother’s own needs. The kids’ needs come first because they are young and helpless, and if you don’t guide them in the right direction now they could end up pole dancing in a strip club someday.

My husband’s job comes before my own interests because that’s our family’s livelihood. The housework comes before free time because if it doesn’t, you end up with something sticky that smells like peaches all over the furniture and inside-out underwear because you haven’t done laundry in three weeks.

There’s always something that trumps whatever it is I want or need. And usually I don’t need much: 15 minutes of quiet, time to read a book, time to work out. Basically, I crave time to just be me – not mom or wife or writer. They’re not major requests, but my wants always come at the end of the must-do list for the family (which means they never come at all).

So how does a mom get back on the priority list without letting other obligations or people suffer? How do you balance your own needs with those of your family?

Erin Stewart is a regular blogger for Deseret News. From stretch marks to the latest news for moms, Stewart discusses it all while her 4-year-old daughter crams Mr. Potato Head pieces in her little sister’s nose.