Squashing the myth that mothers can’t do it all

Many say becoming a mother is a balancing act, one that sees you constantly having various responsibilities, while also making time for something equally as important… Self-care.

For local mom, Mignionette Fair, that self-care comes in the form of spending time playing squash, a sport that’s been part of her life since she was six years old. You are most likely to find her taking out the day’s frustrations on the courts of Northcliff Squash.

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As a little girl growing up in Parys, she was introduced to the sport by her father. Fair said they would joke that there was little else to do but play squash in the small town, so it helped that there was a big squash community. In her teens, and all the way through to her university years at the University of the Free State, she was religiously on the courts. She played provincially, earned her Colours, and represented South Africa in overseas competitions, held in countries such as Scotland and England.

Following her studies, she would take a 10-year break from the sport, building a career, falling in love, getting married, and becoming a mother to two children. It was only two years ago when she made her way back onto the courts. “Mostly for health reasons,” she said. “I had my children, and then I decided I just needed to get back on the court.” She found that Northcliff Squash was the perfect club for her join, not only because it was so closely located to her house, but also because of the welcoming nature of its members.

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Fair admits finding her grip on that racquet again was a bit nerve wracking. “The first month I came back, I came to the courts alone, just to hit the ball. I was so nervous that I couldn’t hit the ball anymore, after 10 years.” Initial fears aside, once she got her rhythm back, she found it to be great, starting off slow, playing socially at first, but then moving on to league matches

Looking back at her younger self, she reflects on how the sport helped build her resilience and work ethic. “Playing at that level, you have to work hard. It built that will to win, which pushed me to always go for it.”

This mom recognises the challenges motherhood brings when it comes to making time for oneself, especially when your children are very young. She now gets the added pleasure of playing the sport with her children, especially with the eldest of the pair, her six-year-old son, who she says hits the ball very well. “I read once that a child’s level of activity is determined by the mom. So, if moms are active, and looking after their health, the children tend to be the same.”

This is what pushed her to want to be active again. Though it is tough, Fair thinks the benefits of being active, and having your children be active too, far outweigh the challenges. She knows that, for moms, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, starting something new, especially when they fear they can’t fit it into their schedule. She has a few words of encouragement for them. “Just start. You’ll probably figure things out along the way.”

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