Mums do it all these days. Since 1996 the number of working mothers has leapt by almost 800,000, to a total of 5.3 million according to a study by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figures show that the number of women in the workplace with dependent children has leapt by almost a fifth in just one generation.
The change is partly thanks to government initiatives to encourage single mothers to work, but even the number of non-single mothers who work has jumped by 10% since 1996. ONS data shows that just 10% of women now stay at home after having children.
Though many mothers feel guilty about leaving their offspring in order to work, successive studies have shown that the impact on children is actually a positive one. The latest, from economics professor Silvia Mendolia at Australia's University of Wollongong, has shown that children of women working more than 35 hours per week are actually more likely to pursue higher education.
The pressure is certainly on for mums to achieve it all and balancing fulltime work and childcare responsibilities is without question a tiring feat. So, this Mother's Day, make relaxation the ultimate gift, as working mum Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs of luxury fractional ownership company Appassionata explains,
"I feel lucky that my business allows me to balance time with my children and grandchildren, but not all mums have the flexibility to do so. Demanding careers and parental responsibilities can be exhausting and I know so many mothers who are lucky if they even get five minutes to themselves during the day. It means that the times when they do get to relax are so important."
And what better way to relax than on a holiday in the sunshine? Appassionata's latest fractional ownership holiday home, Casa Tre Archi, is perfectly located for families with young children who want to experience life in Italy while having everything on hand that they might need. Owner Chris Everard was delighted with how beautifully the house had been set up when he visited recently with his daughter and brand new granddaughter,
"The thoughtfulness, unrestricted kindness and generosity of spirit displayed by the Appassionata team in the setting up of a beautiful new baby's cot, a selection of mats, toys and baby equipment was a true act of empathy and kindness."
For mums with older offspring who might like to relax on the golf course with their family this Mother's Day, Portugal offers an ideal destination. Caroline May of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal comments,
"Portugal's Algarve region is home to some stunning golf courses and many women who holiday here enjoy a round in the sunshine with friends and family members. It's a great way to relax, socialise and stay fit at the same time."
As Cascatas, at Vilamoura, is particularly keen to attract lady golfers and specialises in breaks for them, describing itself as "one of the Algarve's most female friendly golf resorts." For those who prefer being pampered, it also has the largest spa in the Algarve. The Vilamoura area offers holiday accommodation to suit every mother's tastes, from a newly renovated apartment with communal pool priced at €120,000 to a majestic, five bedroom villa with its own pool for €1,575,000.
Mothers returning to the UK after their holidays need not despair that their fun is over. Prime Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt specialises in properties that have luxury features that mothers can enjoy. Wilton, on the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water, Surrey, for example is a superb seven bedroom family home, which comes with a large gymnasium on the ground floor - perfect for shedding those post-pregnancy pounds. It also has a staff flat over the three-car garage, which is ideal for a nanny, ensuring that mum has all the help she needs just a stone's throw away. This fantastic property is priced at £4,950,000.
James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt comments,
"Mothers are finding themselves more and more pushed in terms of their time commitments these days, so a house like Wilton is the ideal solution. The on-site gym is perfect for mums who want to keep in shape, while just a short walk away is Virginia Water with its spas, salons and boutique stores. Relaxation really is at a premium in the modern world and I'm sure mothers around the country will be delighted to enjoy it as the ultimate Mother's Day gift."
For more information please contact:
Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 | www.appassionata.com
Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or | 351 289 513 434 | www.idealhomesportugal.com
Barton Wyatt: 01344 843 000 | www.bartonwyatt.co.uk
