Time-off: Ong has dropped a hint for her husband to take their children Josiah and Abigail for the day.

PETALING JAYA: Forget flowers or chocolates. What many mothers want for Mothers Day is a break.

Ong E-Hoon, a full-time mother of two, said the ideal gift for her would be some “me-time”.

“The first thought that comes to mind was to have some time away from my children. At least a day where I can go to a spa with a friend undisturbed, or a nice high-tea,” said Ong, 35.

Ong, who was previously in corporate finance and retail, hoped her husband would take her two young children, Josiah Chong, five, and Abigail Chong, three, off her hands for the day while she pursued “grown-up” activities.

“I want to dress up, put on my make-up and head out to meet my friends.

Family getaway: Noreeta would love for more family holidays so that she can spend more time with her children Hazeem Izman (left), Shaqeel Hazmi (middle, front) and Nurhana Aydilla.

“I want to listen to adult songs on the radio (as opposed to baby songs). Have brunch with my friends, where I can eat and chew my food slowly. Followed by some shopping.

“After shopping, a nice spa or even a simple foot massage. Finally, go home to a nice family dinner where they can wish me Happy Mothers Day. That would be really lovely,” she said.

And Ong isn't the only mother who wants time-off.

A quick question posted on Facebook to stay-home mothers on what they wanted for Mothers Day garnered similar responses.

Sam Chua wanted a sleep-in “until 10am, at least” while Rozlinda Yahya wanted a day-off from house chores so she could do “a horror movie marathon”.

Karyn Lee said a “silent night” (without her baby crying) would be nice.

Lawyer Noreeta Nor, 41, however, would love to have a holiday with her family.

We are family: Haheswary is happy that her daughters Bhavani (in blue) and Nanthenni are carrying on the family tradition.

“It would be great to have a vacation ... to just head out somewhere far with my husband and kids. I don't get to spend much time with them on work days. Even if I'm at home, I'd be doing chores ... there's always something to do,” she said.

Other mothers are taking the time to celebrate with their own mothers.

Noreeta said she would also like to take her mother and mother-in-law out for a nice family meal.

Kindergarten senior principal S.P. Haheswary, 54, was happy that her daughters R. Bhavani Prasana, 30, and R. Nanthenni Raani, 27, were carrying on with the family's Mothers Day tradition.

“It has always been customary for my sister and I to take our mother out for a special Mothers Day lunch. Then our own daughters will take us out for a treat,” she said, adding that they would also get gifts for their respective mothers.

To all mothers, grandmothers and mothers-to-be, Happy Mothers Day!

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