Not only do we admire Kelly Clarkson for her incredible singing career, we admire how open and honest she is about the fun—and exhaustion—that’s involved in being a mama.

She has two little ones, 3-year-old River Rose and 21-month-old Remington Alexander, and is also the proud step-mom to husband Brandon Blackstock’s older children. As wonderful as it is, Clarkson willingly admits parenting four kids has its challenges.

So, how does she get through the tough days? Carving out some time to unwind—with her preferred method being a glass of vino. She even hosts a new web series appropriately titled “Minute + a Glass of Wine.” 

We’re with Clarkson: There’s no shame in taking time for self-care, whether it’s with a nice sauvignon blanc or some extended time in the shower.

Even though Clarkson joked “wine is necessary” during the promotional event for The Voice, she added she truly does appreciate what she’s learning about herself through parenting.

“They’re great though… They call you out. They teach me,” she said of her kids. “I know it sounds silly, but kids teach you to be a better human. They’re watching every moment, not only me at home but me sitting here with y’all.”

Whether we like to admit it or not, our children are always watching us—how we react, the way we respond, how we see life. So it’s important to continually recognize that and teach them something positive each day: How we communicate and love our partners shows them what to expect in a healthy relationship. How we handle conflicts teaches them how to fight fair and be honest. And, how we view and talk about our bodies and self-esteem is a daily lesson on how we should give ourselves unconditional love, too.

For Clarkson, this all comes back to feeling a sense of purpose.

“Love what you do,” she said. “Love who you work with and don’t work with people you don’t and don’t do things you don’t love.”

Then, when it all gets a little too overwhelming, take a step back and claim some me-time.