Parents need time away from endlessly washing children's clothes and packing changing bags.

This is according to Daily Mail columnist and mother of four Lucy Cavendish, who argued it is healthy to spend time away from your kids.

Although she initially found it "hard to say goodbye", she revealed she soon enjoyed her breaks with her friends.

These trips involved yoga sessions, nights out in restaurants and walking dogs.

On her sojourns, she realised that being away from her children made her truly happy, rather than talking to them about "what Postman Pat did next".

This is not something mums should feel guilty about, Ms Cavendish argued.

"While most mothers find that being a parent gives them a cradle of contentment, it does not necessarily lead to bursts of intense joy," she remarked.

One celebrity mum who is planning to spend a bit of time away from her children is Katie Price.

According to recent reports, the former model is leaving ex-husband Peter Andre to deal with children's clothing and children's highchairs while she goes on holiday to Los Angeles with new beau Alex Reid.

Posted by Ed SaltersADNFCR-3005-ID-19652807-ADNFCR