The stress of a family holiday means many mothers are missing out on the benefits of a soothing break, according to a British survey.

A quarter of mothers say preparing children for a holiday and keeping them happy when away is more stressful than heavy workloads in the office, the poll by Teletext Holidays found.

As many as 73 per cent of mothers clean their hotel room or apartment before their maid arrives for fear of appearing messy.

More than a third of mothers do not fully switch off when away and 80 per cent feel in need of another holiday as soon as they get home.

Based on responses from 2,000 mothers, the survey also showed that 40 per cent even dread the annual summer holiday and 38 per cent avoid going abroad because of the stress.

A third of mothers felt the family break was more of a holiday for their husband or partner than for them, with 36 per cent arguing over the issue of who should be helping out with the children.

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