Go on, all you overworked, under-pampered mothers -- go for that poolside massage, indulge in that manicure, sneak off to your favorite caf to finish Eat, Pray, Love, and leave that Blackberry at home. At least thats what mother-of-four Holly Robinson Peete says she should do more of and not feel guilty about it. Treating herself to a little me time, says Holly, is the best way to get her groove back. I feel recharged and ready to be a mom again, says the co-star of this months Lifetime movie, Matters of Life and Dating.

Clearly, its working. Holly has one of the most demanding schedules in town, not just because shes a popular presence on television shes shown her versatility on shows as wide ranging as Sesame Street, 21 Jump Street, and Hangin With Mr. Cooper but also because she is a committed hands-on mother, the wife of former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, and a co-founder of HollyRod, a non-profit foundation whose mission is to enhance the quality of life of people battling Parkinsons Disease. The foundation has recently expanding its focus to helping children in post-Katrina Gulf Coast areas, Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. Between work, carpooling, philanthropy and spa treatments, Holly also finds time to pen childrens books. She talked with Modern Mom about she keeps it all going.

What's your definition of a Modern Mom?

A mom who is not afraid to take care of herself. Moms need to realize that a sane mom equals a happy mom. My kids are my number one priority but sometimes I forget to focus on myself. I find that when I take care of myself, pursue my interests or just take some me time by going on a walk or reading a book, I feel recharged and ready to be mom again.

What's your secret to balancing career and family?

Before I go to sleep, I make lists - short and long - for the next day to help me stay on track. However, I dont, beat myself up if I don't get to everything. Theres only so much we moms can handle at one time. I find that everything has a way of working out.

What did your parents teach you about parenting?

The best thing my parents have taught me is how to be a better and more effective parent, and thats by listening and valuing what your children say!

What do you want to teach your children?

The power of philanthropy. I hope my children are experiencing this through the HollyRod foundation I founded with my husband. Were really trying to live up to the adage that actions speak louder than words.

Who do you admire the most?

Harriet Tubman -- she personified brave.

What's your favorite family activity?

Dinnertime together. Its amazing all the things you can learn about each another at the dinner table! I also love to turn off the TV and just hang out with my kids, playing and enjoying each others company. We do puzzles together and hop online to search out fun crafts we can all make. I recently wrote an article about birthday parties with four kids, I throw a lot of them! -- for Hanes.com and discovered that the companys site has lots of easy projects that we can make with things we already have in the house. Last month, we made sock puppets together.

What is your greatest achievement?

My four, nice children!

What product(s) can't you live without?

Anything that gives me a good night sleep, from bath oils to bedding.

What do you do when you're feeling selfish?

I turn of my cell phone, treat myself to a day at the spa and get the works.

What's keeping you busy these days?

Keeping up with my hubby, four kids, big dog and two giant tortoises, as well as my work with HollyRod. I also have a new movie, Matters of Love and Dating, debuting on Lifetime on October 22, and I am writing my first children's book. Im also writing a series of parenting articles for Hanes ( Hanes.com/kids). Basically, just a full and insane life!

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