School holidays are over, but many moms are not refreshed as they come back from family breaks. In fact, they are more tired than before. For them, family vacations were not a rest. It was nothing more than a transfer of their daily responsibilities. From cooking meals in a self-metalling unit to being cleaned up after sand feet or wet towels, moms sometimes work harder on the weekends than they do at home.
Shaun Lamont, managing director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, admits that he only recognizes it after seeing both his mother and wife during his family vacation. “I realized they were still “on-work” while others were relaxing. That's when it hit me. If we want women in our lives to take appropriate breaks, it must be intentional. You have to plan for your mom to take a break.
Lamont shares some additional tips to ensure that moms enjoy their holidays just like everyone else:
1. Include all expenses in your budget
When saving on holidays, don't forget to budget extras that turn them into true escapes, such as dining out, spa treatments, or choosing a resort with comprehensive options. First group properties like La Montagne and Magalies Park offer all of this, so no one needs to lift their fingers unless they choose.
2. Service service accommodation
Skip the family cleaning roster and choose a fully maintained accommodation. All of the properties in the first group offer daily housekeeping, so no one needs to make beds, make dishes or wash the floors during their stay.
3. Choose a resort with onsite dining
Even if it's just a small meal, when you have access to the on-site restaurant, moms are given the opportunity to skip the kitchen. All First Group Resorts feature on-site eateries, allowing for relaxed, unprepared meals that the whole family can enjoy.
4. Share the load
And choose simple and hassle-free for those meals you're catering to. So, dad, unfold Scotel, or choose cereal and yogurt for breakfast, launch braai for dinner, and involve the family in a spinning chore schedule. Assign simple, age-appropriate tasks to children and share responsibilities equally. After all, holidays must be a break for everyone, not just for everyone.
5. Give her “my time”
Sleep your mom, eat an afternoon siesta, read a book, disappear for a few hours without interruption or feeling guilty. Resorts like Mount Sierra offer scenic spots that truly restore “Me Time.” Think of a calm garden, mountain views, peaceful lounges, and spa treatments designed to recharge both your body and mind. Whether it's solo walks, quiet coffee, or sweet sessions, these little windows of solitude are opportunities that make Mom feel like she's spent time and truly spent a holiday.
“Resting is not a luxury, it's necessary for everyone, and in doing so, Mama deserves a truly feel rest filled with magical, lasting memories for the whole family,” concludes Lamont.
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