Research shows that Mothers / Maternal Figures spend more time on childcare and home-related tasks than Fathers / Father Figures.
In addition, moms often sacrifice their own needs, including their own sport and exercise participation, to accommodate their child’s leisure activities. As a result, Mothers / Maternal Figures have limited time for recreation and socialization.
Many Mothers / Maternal Figures had sports taken away from them as kids, commit themselves to ensuring better access for their kids.
The Solution
In honour of Women’s Empowerment Month, the Raptors gave back to the Mothers and Maternal Figures who play a key role in keeping their daughters in sport, by arranging a day of basketball skills and drills training for their daughters, and wellness activities to give back to the moms and create a safe space for socialization and community building. After the workout and wellness experience, the group of Mothers and Daughters with experienced a panel conversation with Raptors Moms Carmen Dick and Amy Nwora.
Our Why
Encouraging the pursuit of future generations of elite girls’ basketball, by empowering & resourcing the women who sacrifice their own well-being to prioritize basketball for their daughters & girls.
We asked the wonderful team at The Villij to share three pieces of advice for basketball moms / maternal figures who struggle to prioritize their well-being:
Build and nurture support networks: Don't hesitate to lean on friends, family, or fellow basketball moms for support. Building a strong community can make a world of difference in navigating the challenges of motherhood and maintaining your well-being. Remember, you don't have to do everything on your own. Delegate tasks such as carpooling, snack duty, or organizing team events. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're feeling overwhelmed. A therapist or counselor can offer strategies for managing stress and prioritizing self-care. Remember, taking care of yourself ultimately enables you to be the best support for your basketball-playing loved one.
Get comfortable with saying "No": It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of basketball schedules and commitments, but remember that it's okay to say no sometimes. Don't feel guilty about prioritizing your own needs and setting boundaries around your time and energy. This can look like politely declining additional responsibilities that don't align with your well-being.
Practice self-compassion: It's easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism or feeling guilty for taking time for yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during busy and challenging times.
